New Rotorua council CEO welcomed

ROTORUA 01.07.13: Rotorua District Council’s new chief executive Geoff Williams was welcomed with a powhiri at the council Civic Centre this morning on his first day in the role.

Mayor Kevin Winters said he was very pleased to have Mr Williams on board. He said the council looked forward to working closely with him to implement a raft of strategies and plans that would take Rotorua into a fresh new phase of growth and development.

“Geoff brings substantial local government and business credentials to our organisation. He also played a role in the complex development of the recently established Auckland council and his experience in this area is going to be valuable as we identify and craft the future shape of local government for our own community,” said Mr Winters.

Mr Williams said he was very pleased to be returning to Rotorua where he had previously attended school and worked.

“I’m grateful for the confidence that the mayor and councillors have shown in me and I’m excited about the opportunity to play a role in building on the council’s many successes of recent years.

“Rotorua is a special place with special people. It has many unique qualities and I’m absolutely confident that it offers significant untapped potential.

“I’m also looking forward to working with residents, iwi, our business community, elected members and council staff so together we can achieve a shared vision and make Rotorua an even better place to live and visit,” he said.

Mr Williams said his first days on the job would be focused on coming up to speed with his new responsibilities and fully understanding the direction the council wants to set for the future. He said he would also be using the next few weeks getting to know his council team members, finding out about their roles and potential.

“Then I want get out and meet many of our key stakeholders including iwi, business, philanthropic and other community leaders who I expect to be working in partnership with.

Mr Williams was previously executive director for Regional Facilities Auckland Ltd, an Auckland Council CCO employing 700 staff and responsible for assets worth around a billion dollars.

He was a senior member of the Auckland Transition Agency and has previously held executive positions in both central and local government. He holds education and psychology qualifications.

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