After questions from the Otago Daily Times, Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker yesterday confirmed Ms Graham had not applied to continue as chief executive and would leave the organisation when her contract expired in October.
In a statement, Ms Barker said the council was farewelling an ‘‘outstanding’’ leader, while Ms Graham said she had loved working for the council and with her colleagues.
Her departure comes after six years in the role, during which time she labelled then Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich and city councillors ‘‘f...tards’’.
Ms Graham apologised and had since participated in a 360° survey to ensure improvement.
Her conduct was at one stage investigated by a King’s Counsel, but a three-person council committee never publicly released findings and other councillors expressed frustration about lack of access to the investigator’s report.
Councillors extended her contract by a year last October after an almost seven-hour closed-door meeting.
Ahead of the meeting, Ms Graham indicated she wanted a two-year extension.
The ODT yesterday asked councillors to comment on Ms Graham’s time at the council.
Cr Brent Weatherall said she was an ‘‘absolute joy’’ to work with and would be missed.
‘‘Make no mistake Ms Graham is a class act ... she is the most impressive individual I have had the luxury of working with in my time on council.
‘‘It's a shame she has had to endure relentless witch-hunts from many ill-informed critics which comes with the job, yet will not stop against any ... replacement,’’ Cr Weatherall said.
Cr Steve Walker said he had grown to respect Ms Graham ‘‘immensely’’ over many years working together.
The chief executive role at any large council was a ‘‘thankless task’’, but one Ms Graham had performed admirably during many trying events, he said.
‘‘The new CEO, whomever it is, will have big shoes to fill.’’
Cr Benedict Ong said Ms Graham ‘‘could do the math’’ and saw ‘‘her clear odds in the voting for or against’’ her contract renewal.
Ms Graham said she informed Ms Barker of her decision in January to allow for a smooth transition.
She headed off 50 applicants for the top job in 2020.
‘‘Our staff turn up ready to work hard and make a difference for our communities every single day,’’ Ms Graham said.
‘‘I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.’’
Highlights of her time as chief executive included the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign, engagement with mana whenua and internal work on council and staff values.
Ms Graham said her focus was ensuring the organisation and its staff were in a good position for incoming local government reform as well as the transition to a new chief executive.
Ms Barker said as a new mayor, she valued Ms Graham’s support, as had councillors working through imminent reforms.
The council have received 44 applications for the chief executive role, including three from overseas.
