Chief executive Hamish Dobbie’s employment contract ends in September. He has been the CEO for the past seven years.
Under the Local Government Act, chief executives can be appointed for up to five years. When the term expires, the council is permitted to extend the term of the contract for up to two years.
When the extension expires the council must advertise the role.
The council agreed to a two-year extension in 2018, so must now advertise the position.
It decided last Thursday that a recruitment agency would be employed to run the process, and advertising would begin in March.
The council looked at running the process itself, but decided to use an external consultant, with three expressions of interest being sought. A sub-committee of three will decide which agency will run the recruitment process.
Before joining the Hurunui council, Mr Dobbie spent six years as chief executive of Lakes Environmental Limited, heading about 85 staff, delivering regulatory services to the Queenstown Lakes District Council and others.
Before this, he held executive business development, processing and technical management positions.
If he is not reappointed, he has to be notified by June 2020 to allow for a three-month notice period.
The timeframe also allows time for an incoming applicant to give sufficient notice to take up the role by September 16.
Mr Dobbie had no comment when asked whether he would reapply for the position.
