''Strong interest'' in becoming chief executive of the Waitaki District Council has resulted in more than 30 applications for the job, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said yesterday.
Applications closed on Sunday.
One has come from existing chief executive Michael Ross, whose contract ends in mid-January and, under the Local Government Act, has to be advertised.
Mr Kircher said the council had no details yet on applicants and where they were from.
Some had come from within local government and others from the private sector.
A full list of applicants and their details will be considered by the full council next week, which will produce a long list.
That list will be whittled down by the council's executive committee and those shortlisted will then be interviewed by the council.
''All going well, we would hope to make an offer [to the successful applicant] by the end of September.''
Mr Kircher said if there was a changeover, it would be as seamless as possible.
The chief executive's job with a local or regional council has to be publicly advertised every five years, although a single two-year extension can be granted.
Mr Ross started as chief executive in January 2004 and has been through two five-year recruitment processes.
Last year, he was granted a two-year extension until January next year.
