South Taranaki District Council welcomes new chief executive, Waid Crockett

Waid Crockett, South Taranaki District Council's new chief executive. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

South Taranaki District Council has a new chief executive.

Waid Crockett officially started at the organisation on January 15 and was welcomed with a powhiri in Hāwera led by Ngati Ruanui and supported by all South Taranaki iwi.

A large crowd was in attendance. Guests from around the region included Stratford Mayor Neil Volzke, South Taranaki iwi representatives, council staff and elected members and Mr Crockett's family.

South Taranaki District Mayor Ross Dunlop said Mr Crockett had a strong background in local government.

"Waid has had 30 years of management experience in local government and other organisations in New Zealand and Australia. He has a strong reputation of working with people and building effective relationships at all levels."

Mayor Dunlop also thanked acting chief executive Fiona Greenhill for running the organisation in the interim.

"Fiona has done an excellent job and Waid is coming into an organisation which is in very good heart."

Mr Crockett, who was born in Stratford, said he was pleased to be home in Taranaki with his wife Soraya.

"We are currently living in Opunake and Soraya and I feel right at home already," he said.

"I have some strong family connections across Taranaki and I'm honoured to have been appointed to the role. South Taranaki has a great lifestyle and is a spectacular part of New Zealand.

"This, along with the fantastic team that is already doing some great things for the community, makes this a really exciting opportunity and one I'm looking forward to," he said.