Whanganui District Council chief executive Kym Fell reappointed for two more years

Kym Fell has been reappointed as the chief executive of Whanganui District Council, extending his term until January 2023. Photo / Supplied

Whanganui District Council chief executive Kym Fell has been reappointed to the role for a further two years.

Fell's five-year term as chief executive was set to expire in January 2021, but will be extended until January 2023 with the unanimous support of councillors.

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said extending Fell's contract reflected the stable leadership he had provided over the last three-and-a-half years.

"Mr Fell's commercial background and local government sector experience has positioned him well to run the district," McDouall said.

"Since January 2016, there has been a transformational shift in the way the council operates, especially around customer service and becoming a more efficient organisation.

"Securing Kym for a further two-year term ensures stability for the council after a number of years of significant change."

Fell said he was encouraged by the support of elected members who were pleased with his performance to date.

"It's a tough job and very few days are the same," Fell said.

"I have found that no matter how complex a situation may be in our district, with a little compromise and an open mind we are able to achieve great things, which in turn enriches our community and the people we serve."

Fell previously worked for Regional Facilities Auckland, a council-controlled organisation with oversight of Auckland Stadiums, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Conventions and Auckland Live.

Under the Local Government Act, a local authority must complete a review of a chief executive's employment before the end of the five-year term before it can decide to extend a contract.

Over the last two months, Whanganui District Council's Chief Executive Review Committee undertook the employment review and recommended a two-year contract extension to the full council, the maximum allowed under the act.