Circular Head Council has announced the appointment of Paul Gardner as its new General Manager, commencing in early July.
Mr Gardner (pictured) brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the local government, private and not-for-profit sectors to the role, having worked in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. He currently holds an Executive role with South Wairarapa District Council in New Zealand.
Mayor, Gerard Blizzard welcomed the appointment and thanked Acting General Manager Andrew Wardlaw for his steady leadership in the interim.
“Andrew has provided consistent and thoughtful leadership over the past months, and on behalf of Council, I extend our sincere appreciation for his service during this transitional period,” Mayor Blizzard said.
“We now look forward to the new chapter ahead with Paul’s appointment.”
Mr Gardner has held executive-level responsibilities across finance, governance, people and culture, ICT, communications, emergency and risk management, and economic development. He is widely regarded as a progressive and community-minded leader with a focus on transparency, performance, and customer experience.
“Local government is, in my eyes, one of the most rewarding career choices a public servant can make, due to our closeness with those with whom we serve and interact” Mr Gardner said.
“We are accountable to our public for services that deliver on both value to and have a significant impact on, their day to day lives and as such our role and the decisions we make should reflect that responsibility.”
Known as a non-traditional public servant, Mr Gardner has led Councils through major weather events, taken a national role in local government reform, and successfully secured government support for climate-affected infrastructure. He also developed and implemented major service reviews aimed at aligning Council operations with community expectations.
“I am truly thrilled to be joining a community that is clearly invested in the social and economic wellbeing of everyone around them, and professionally to be part of a team of such committed elected members and professionals,” Mr Gardner said.
“On a personal note, I give my thanks to Mayor Blizzard and Councillors for entrusting this exciting leadership responsibility to me.”
Mr Gardner takes over the role from Vanessa Adams, who served as General Manager until February this year.
