Antarctica NZ’S fired boss gets council CEO job
The Rangitı¯kei District Council has appointed fired Antarctica New Zealand boss Peter Beggs as its new chief executive.
Described as ‘‘an outstandingly skilled chief executive’’ by Rangitı¯kei mayor Andy Watson, Beggs replaces current chief executive Ross Mcneill, whose job was legally required to be advertised after seven years in the role.
Beggs was Antarctica NZ chief executive from 2013 until he was dismissed in August 2018, after a sixweek investigation of his electronic communications revealed misconduct serious enough for him to be fired. Stuff reported the investigation that led to his sacking started with a complaint from a board member’s husband. He was then sacked from his Government agency job over unspecified serious misconduct and lapses in judgement.
Watson said the council was well aware of Beggs’ past. He said Beggs had been ‘‘incredibly open and transparent with us’’ and the council had been through an exhaustive process talking to his referees.
Beggs was asked a lot of searching questions about what happened, and the council was completely happy with the situation, he said. Beggs had been operating his own private consultancy between jobs.
Watson said Beggs had lived rurally in Canterbury, and demonstrated a quick and clear understanding of the issues Rangitı¯kei faced and an enthusiasm for lifting its profile.
‘‘Peter brings to the Rangitı¯kei an unusually high level of expertise as a chief executive in a number of different sectors.
‘‘He has proven, dynamic relationship-building skills within the business sector as well as with community organisations, professional bodies and individuals.’’
Watson said the district faced some exciting new challenges, with the building of new communitycivic centres, wastewater plants, and welcoming new businesses to the area.
‘‘We see the opportunity to achieve a dynamic approach to customer services from the use of new technologies.
‘‘[The] council sees Peter as being able to succeed in these challenges. We are confident that he will very quickly become a strong and informed advocate for the Rangitı¯kei and redefine and promote the advantages of visiting, living and doing business here.’’
Beggs’ first day in his new job will be October 21, a week after the local government elections, which promised to deliver considerable changes for the council.
Watson paid tribute to the ‘‘substantial contribution’’ Mcneill had made, which had laid foundations for several key projects.