Wellington City Council Chief Executive to DepartWellington City Council Chief Executive to Depart Barbara McKerrow, the Chief Executive of Wellington City Council (WCC), has announced that she will not seek an extension to her five-year term, which expires on March 1, 2025. Reason for Departure McKerrow stated that her decision to step down was not influenced by external factors but rather her desire to pursue other interests after a rewarding career in local government. Accomplishments During her eight years with WCC, McKerrow held both the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive. She oversaw significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining the delivery of over 400 council services. McKerrow also played a key role in the development of the city’s ambitious investment program. Recognition and Appreciation Mayor Tory Whanau acknowledged McKerrow’s contributions to Wellington, particularly her expertise in local government and commitment to delivering the best outcomes for the city. McKerrow was also recognized by Taituarā, the local government association, as the 2023 winner of the Distinguished Management Award. Transition Plan McKerrow affirmed her focus on ensuring a stable transition for the organization during her remaining tenure. Mayor Whanau will work with the Performance Review Committee to hire a new Chief Executive through a robust and timely process. Controversy McKerrow’s tenure has not been without controversy. She has faced criticism from some councillors over decisions such as the sale of shares in Wellington Airport and the proposed purchase of the land beneath the Reading cinema complex. The Post reported that McKerrow restricted information to the council amidst these controversies, drawing criticism from the Local Government Minister.
News from WCC
Wellington City Council Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow has informed Mayor Tory Whanau and councillors that she will not be seeking an extension to her five-year term, which expires on March 1.
“As I advised Mayor Whanau and the Mayor of the previous three-year term, this has been my intention from the outset,” Ms McKerrow said.
“I have had the privilege of serving this city for eight years, both as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive, bringing my total service in local government to over forty years. This has been an immensely rewarding career, but I now plan to pursue other interests.
“Our organisation has faced some significant challenges during this time, particularly the importance of supporting Wellington residents during a global pandemic, while continuing to deliver over 400 services every day and building the capacity to scale up the delivery of the most ambitious investment programme the city has ever seen.”
“I will remain focused on ensuring the continued effective delivery of the Council’s projects and services and a stable transition for the organisation,” Ms McKerrow said.
Mayor Tory Whanau recognised Ms McKerrow’s commitment to Wellington and the Council, saying: “I would like to thank Barbara for her outstanding contribution to our council and the communities we serve”.
“Barbara’s incredible knowledge of local government has been invaluable, recognised by the wider sector when local government association Taituarā named her the 2023 winner of the Distinguished Management Award. I have greatly valued her intelligent, thoughtful and authentic leadership, which has ensured that as a council we deliver the best outcomes for our city.”
Comments:
– The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were informed yesterday (Monday 29 July) of the Chief Executive’s intention not to renew her term. A formal letter sent to the Mayor today has been provided to councillors.
– The Mayor will work with the Performance Review Committee to establish a robust and timely process for hiring a new Chief Executive.
– Barbara McKerrow’s five-year temporary employment contract began on March 1, 2020 and expires on March 1, 2025. The six-month deadline is September 1.
The Post reported: McKerrow’s five years in the top job have had their share of controversy, making enemies of some councillors who would have decided her future had she run again. Amid the furore over the council selling its shares in Wellington Airport and following a similarly controversial plan by the council to buy the land beneath the Reading cinema complex at Courtenay Place, The Post revealed that McKerrow restricted information to the council. She was criticised by a “stunned” Local Government Minister Simeon Brown.
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