In response to questions from the Otago Daily Times the council issued a statement this afternoon, saying Ms Graham has not applied to continue as chief executive, meaning she will leave the organisation when her existing contract expires in October.
Mayor Sophie Barker said the council was farewelling an "outstanding" leader.
“Sandy is a highly skilled, hardworking and effective chief executive with deep knowledge across many areas of the DCC operation, and she has led from the front in what is a very complex, demanding and public role.
“She has provided amazing support to me, as a new Mayor, and our team of Councillors as we work through the complexities of local government and the huge deluge of government reforms coming our way.
“We have also faced the shock of losing former Mayor and Councillor Jules Radich, and through it all Sandy’s strength, help and guidance has been essential,” Ms Barker said.
Ms Graham informed Ms Barker of her of her decision in January this year to allow time for a smooth transition.
Ms Graham said she had loved working for the council and with her colleagues.
"Our staff turn up ready to work hard and make a difference for our communities every single day, and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.”
Highlights of her time as chief executive included the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign, the council's improved Civil Defence responsiveness and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as engagement with mana whenua and the successful process to obtain consent for the Smooth Hill landfill.
She was also proud of the work internally to develop a new set of values for council and its staff, and to recognise and celebrate the hard mahi of staff across the organisation.
“We’ve also rolled out a new kerbside collection service, opened Te Puna o Whakaehu and the South Dunedin Library, completed the George St upgrade, improved delivery of our capital programme and investment in the renewal of our core infrastructure, all while working to deliver a balanced budget in a tight environment last year.
“It’s also been rewarding to see Dunedin consistently recognised as having the highest quality of life of any New Zealand city. That tells me something great about the place we call home.”
Ms Graham said her focus was now on supporting staff and ensuring the organisation was well placed for imminent reforms and the transition to a new chief executive.
She headed off 50 applicants for the top job in 2020, beginning her contract on October 12 that year.
- Allied Media
