Who got that job?

By KAREN GOA

Chief executive officer, Southland District Council

Since taking up the role as chief executive officer of Southland District Council David Adamson has already faced a major issue - working out the council's role in the diesel spill in Fiordland's Milford Sound.

An internal appointee, Adamson, 46, stepped up from his position as a group manager for SDC - in charge of water supply, sewage schemes, roading and other services, to take the top council spot in New Zealand's largest local government district.

Born in Wanganui and schooled in Wellington, Adamson came out of Lincoln College with a degree in agricultural engineering. Changing tack into civil engineering, he became involved in local government, working with local councils to design and construct major projects such as sewage treatment plants in New Plymouth, Taupo and Rotorua before moving to Southland nine years ago.

As Adamson points out, Southland district has a "huge feast of outdoor activities on our back doorstep" and also has "a huge roading network". Since Southland covers 11 per cent of New Zealand's land area but has less than 1 per cent of the country's population, "funding is only one of our challenges".

Another issue is balancing the wants and needs of groups as diverse as traditional beef and sheep farmers and entrepreneurs wanting to start up tourism ventures. "We need systems in place to recognise the diversity of the community and try to support their wishes".

Adamson enjoys the opportunity to "add to people's lives" through delivery of projects and to interact with local people.