Western Bay of Plenty District Council has announced the appointment of Annika Lane as its new General Manager Strategy and Community.
Ms Lane (pictured) returns to Western Bay after previously holding the role of General Manager Policy and Planning from 2006 to 2010. Since then, she has worked with organisations including Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Auckland City Council, Waikato Regional Council, and the Cook Islands National Environment Service.
A Western Bay local based in Tanners Point, she brings both a strong local connection and a broad perspective shaped by her work across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, including leadership roles focused on legislative reform, governance, and long‑term systems change.
Council’s Acting Chief Executive, Miriam Taris said Ms Lane’s appointment was a strong fit for the organisation’s strategic direction and its commitment to community‑focused outcomes.
“Annika brings deep expertise, strong leadership capability, and a genuine commitment to community‑centred outcomes. We are very fortunate to have someone of her calibre joining our Executive Leadership Team, and I know she will make a valuable contribution to Western Bay and to the work we do for our communities,” says Ms Taris.
As General Manager Strategy and Community, Ms Lane will take responsibility for a broad and critical portfolio, including spatial planning, legislative and policy reform, and strategic programmes that support sustainable growth and strong community outcomes across the Western Bay – helping shape how towns and rural communities grow over time, supporting Council through significant legislative change, and ensuring long‑term planning reflects the needs and aspirations of local communities.
Ms Lane said it was an exciting time to be working in local government.
“I’m looking forward to working with our talented staff and committed elected members to continue delivering high-quality services across the Western Bay of Plenty District,” she said.
“What really attracted me to this role is the Council’s strong focus on community development and its collaborative way of working with people and partners.”
Ms Lane will join Council’s Executive Leadership Team from 23 March.
