Council's new chief: I'll be open

Rob Forlong

The Whangarei District Council's new chief executive says his management style is to be open and transparent, as that is the best way to deal with any difficult issues.

Environmental Protection Authority chief executive Rob Forlong has been appointed as the new council chief executive after Mark Simpson's contract was not renewed when it expired at the end of March, following 16 years in the job.

Mr Forlong, 51, said he was excited to be taking up the role - he will start in July - as it was a chance to return to Whangarei, where he lived for two years as a child.

"I remember I lived there when Northland held the Ranfurly Shield [1971] and recall the street parade and the excitement. I still keep a close eye on how the Taniwha are doing and they are one of the teams I support."

With Northland's first ITM Cup game in August a Shield challenge, he hoped one of his first tasks would be organising a victory parade.

He is also a former chief executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority and has 10 years' experience as a chief executive, with many key leadership roles, including managerial positions at the Greater Wellington Regional Council. His local government experience goes back several decades, his first job in local government on Dunedin City Council rubbish trucks in his 20s.

"I am looking forward to developing strong, positive relationships in the Whangarei community, and towards making a real difference within the council.

"I think Whangarei is a wonderful place and has so much potential."

Mr Forlong said a council often had to deal with difficult or unpopular issues and the best way to deal with them from a chief executive's perspective was to be open and up front.

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai said Mr Forlong was selected from a very strong field of candidates.

"He is a professional of immense capability and we are thrilled to have attracted somebody of such a high calibre and great experience."

He will be paid $325,000 per annum.