Andrew Newman resigns as HBRC chief executive

HBRC chief executive Andrew Newman announced his resignation this morning. PHOTO/FILE

After 10 years in the role, Hawke's Bay Regional Council chief executive Andrew Newman announced his resignation today.

He announced he would be stepping down from the role at a regional council meeting this morning.

During his tenure he spent three years as chief executive of the council's investment arm, the Hawke's Bay Regional Investment Company Ltd.

"A great deal of my time while at HBRC was devoted to advancing the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme to the point where a definitive outcome is imminent," he said.

"This has been extremely demanding work navigating the hugely challenging political, community, and commercial interests involved in the project."

He said with all necessary groundwork to proceed with the scheme in place, the new group of councillors would soon make a final decision on the project, as well as setting a new direction to develop the council's strategic plan.

With two other senior members of the council's current executive team retiring in the coming months, Mr Newman said he felt it was timely to also consider his future.

"This is a decision I have given a lot of thought, especially over the summer break.

"I have decided to step aside to enable the new council to take whatever direction it sees as prudent with the support of a refreshed executive team," he said.