Having tendered her resignation on July 27, Napier’s erstwhile chief executive Dr Steph Rotarangi has elected to depart immediately. Previously it was indicated that she would continue to serve in the role for three months to facilitate a transition.
Arguably that might have provided some stability through the local election window.
But now, instead, she’s catching the night train.
“All my bags are packed
I’m ready to go
I’m standin’ here outside your door
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye”
John Denver
NCC’s media announcement (here in its entirety) floats a horrible option on how to fill the chief executive gap until next year, the earliest a well-considered search could fill the position permanently.
That option – a ‘revolving’ chief executive which would rotate three existing senior staffers, Debra Stewart, Richard Munneke and Lance Titter in the position. What’s the reasoning behind this … avoiding bruised egos if one (or an outsider) were to be picked over others as a sole interim CEO? Or some sort of CEO audition or lion’s den? Or an infatuation with promoting from within?
Presumably each of these individuals already has a full plate. Why disrupt the orderly conduct of business for each of them, with each of them losing focus, instead of containing it to one … or none?!
The thinking behind this seems to reflect the same ‘creative’ thinking behind the notion that it would be somehow cool or ‘innovative’ to give the CEO job to someone – Steph Rotarangi – with no local government experience in the first place (whatever her other estimable skills).
In our Sep/Oct magazine, soon out, BayBuzz is profiling Hawke’s Bay’s two most experienced council CEOs – James Palmer (HBRC) and Nigel Bickle (HDC). Those profiles make clear how complex, demanding and important the council CEO role is.
Napier doesn’t need another round of creative personnel policy. NCC should put one person in place asap and not spread further disruption through the ranks … and get its search process organised.
It’s kàpai good news when the likes of NCC is sorting itself out towards Strenghtheniñg it’s communities ,while reducing it’s incarceration , Recently Sg Phillip Rowden agreed with Pat Magill , the likes of Levi Armstrong with relevant networks were pleasing.
The clash of politics and management can be brutal on leadership .(and personal character) .. lets hope we get long term stability for Napier post election with the capacity to deliver on the tougher issues …