Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan yesterday announced the appointment of Steven Hill, who fills the position left vacant by Charles Hakkaart in January.
Mr Hill is the group manager for customer services at Western Bay of Plenty District Council, based in Tauranga, and will take up his new position on June 9.
In announcing the appointment, Mr Cadogan said he was delighted that the council's recruitment process had attracted several ''high-calibre candidates''.
A profile supplied to the Otago Daily Times said Mr Hill had extensive local government experience, holding varied roles at Western Bay of Plenty, one of only two councils in New Zealand to have achieved a ''gold level'' standard in business excellence.
Mr Hill has a degree in management studies from Waikato University, a masters in public management from Victoria University and did a Harvard senior executive development course.
He is married to Lana, has two adult children, and has travelled extensively, serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy.
''Steven's enthusiasm, intellect and vast experience augurs well for the Clutha District's future,'' Mr Cadogan said.
''While media often focuses on meeting attendances to determine councillors' commitment, it is processes such as this that shows me the unflinching dedication that councillors give to their community and I am especially proud of the effort that they gave to make the recruitment process such a success.''
Acting chief executive Alan Dickson will continue until Mr Hill takes over.
