The West Coast Regional Council has announced the appointment of new Chief Executive, Darryl Lew, who is set to join Council on 1 June.
Council Chairman, Peter Haddock said Mr Lew brings a wealth of experience with him, across local and central government positions.
“Darryl is a highly experienced leader with many years in senior management roles. This
appointment comes after a rigorous process where the standard of applicants was extremely high,” he said.
“His experience is vital for the West Coast given the importance of our flood and erosion infrastructure to our communities. We have a significant work programme ahead of us with the construction of the resilience projects for Franz Josef, Hokitika and Greymouth, as well as the recent funding announcement for Westport.”
Starting out his career as a hydrologist, Mr Lew has had considerable involvement and oversight of river engineering, flood control and drainage schemes. Further roles in local government have led to a wide knowledge base in the science and land management, district planning and other RMA functions, the Council said in a statement.
More recently, Mr Lew held a national role within the Department of Conservation co-ordinating operational business planning, and also managing the project teams for the redevelopment at the Oparara Arches, Dolomite Point and the Pike Memorial, as well as managing the organisation’s roading network on the West Coast.
“I really enjoyed the time I spent on the West Coast in my last role. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to now join the Regional Council with the infrastructure programme and other big projects ahead of it,” Mr Lew said.
“Having a sound technical background across the core functions of Council I want to be able to support the Staff with their roles as well as the Councillors as we address the challenges for the future.
“Together with the Council, I am very committed to the ongoing partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu, working in the best interests of our community together,” he said.
Current Chief Executive, Heather Mabin will finish at the end of May but will continue with Council to ensure a smooth transition over the following weeks.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of Heather over the past year and a bit,” said Chair Haddock.
“Heather has led the Council Team admirably over very trying times and has made significant improvements in a number of areas which will stand the organisation in good stead for the future.”
