New HBRC role for man from NCC
A pair of family-run Hawke’s Bay businesses will be bidding for international attention following big wins at the annual ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay ASB Exporter of the Year awards.
Rock-it Board, co-founder Annie Evans said she and her husband Dave were still “overwhelmed” at receiving the awards’ Tomoana Food Hub Innovation in Export prize on Thursday night, and the subsequent boost in interest in their natural exercise City Council assets, Chris Dolley has been handed the task of managing $185 million of regional assets.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has appointed Dolley as its new group manager for asset management.
Regional council chief executive James Palmer said Dolley’s role was aimed at ensuring the council’s management of the region’s rivers for flood and drainage purposes continued in an environmentally responsible manner.
“Also, that the region’s flood protection assets are future-proofed for climate change, including the increased frequency and intensity of storms and sea level rise. And also that the council continues to develop recreational opportunities through its regional parks and Hawke’s Bay Trails networks for locals and visitors alike.”
The regional council’s assets portfolio includes flood control and drainage assets, with a replacement value of $185m.
The council’s 12 individual flood and drainage schemes have an annual running budget of about $8.6m.
“Chris is currently manager asset strategy at Napier City Council, where he has been since 2015, and has been responsible for transforming the way assets are managed in Napier. This role oversees a wide range of council assets, including stormwater, wastewater and drinking water, along with the inner harbour, parks and reserves and the development of Parklands Estate,” Palmer said.
“He has more than 20 years’ experience in strategic and operational engineering management roles in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.
“He is a chartered professional engineer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Western Australia, and replaces Graeme Hansen who left the council in April to join Hastings District Council.”
He will start on August 13.