The Chief Executive for the Ashburton District Council has been appointed for the next five years.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown said current CE Hamish Riach has been offered the role and agreed to continue as the Chief Executive.

“We are pleased to reappoint Hamish so future councils can benefit from his experience, skill, and consistency.

“With local body elections and Government reforms coming up, we felt strongly that Hamish was the best choice to lead the organisation through the changes ahead.”

Mr Riach had completed the maximum term of employment permitted under the Local Government Act of seven years (five years, plus a two-year extension) and so the role had to be readvertised.

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

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

The CE position was advertised online for a month from 18 December, and received 25 applications, which was then whittled down to a shortlist of five.

Mr Riach said he was delighted to be reappointed.

"I look forward to continuing the Council’s work programme with the Mayor and elected Councillors, Council staff, contractors, and the Ashburton community."