McKenzie to head NCC

A former Tasman District Council boss is taking up the job of interim chief executive at the Nelson City Council. Lindsay McKenzie will start on December 19 and will stay until a permanent replacement is found, says Nelson mayor Nick Smith. In June, current chief executive Pat Dougherty announced that he would not reapply for the role when his five-year term finished at the end of the year. McKenzie has held chief executive positions at the Tasman and Gisborne councils, and spent 18 years at Environment Southland. ‘‘He is ideally placed to guide Nelson City Council through this transitional period and to support the recruitment of a new permanent CE,’’ Smith said. An interim appointment was necessary due to Dougherty’s term ending early next month due to new work commitments, Smith said. Recruitment was under way for a permanent replacement, who would start around May. McKenzie said he would focus on supporting Smith’s governance reset, and helping the council leadership team focus on recovery work. He would also focus on staff wellbeing.