Ashburton District Council will soon begin the recruitment process for its Chief Executive position.

Current CE Hamish Riach has completed the maximum term of employment permitted under the Local Government Act of seven years (five years, plus a two-year extension). The role is required to be readvertised, and the incumbent CE is able to re-apply.

Council has engaged recruitment agency Brannigans Christchurch to provide independent advice to elected members and to facilitate the recruitment process.

The CE position will be advertised online for a month from 18 December, and Council intends to have the process completed by early March.

Mr Riach was appointed CE in 2018 and will have completed seven years in September 2025.