Steve Ruru, CEO of the Taranaki Regional Council, has been confirmed as interim CEO for New Plymouth District Council. He will take on a joint role leading both organisations for a period of around 6-9 months while the search for a permanent CEO continues.
Both NPDC and TRC agreed in principle to share a Chief Executive at respective council meetings this past week and New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough says the appointment strengthens both organisations at a pivotal time for local government and Mr Ruru’s extensive experience will be invaluable.
“By working together through shared leadership, both councils will be better positioned to respond to upcoming reform and prepare for the future of local government.
“Importantly, today’s announcement reflects our commitment to stable local government leadership, strong partnerships in the region and delivering for our communities now and into the future.”
Regional Council Chairperson, Craig Williamson welcomed the announcement.
“Steve understands the complexity of regional functions, the operational realities of territorial authorities, and the critical importance of collaboration between the two. He is the perfect person for the job.”
Mr Ruru says he is looking forward to the opportunity and to exploring how the councils can work more closely for the benefit of Taranaki communities.
“The vacancy at NPDC provides an opportunity to pilot an innovative leadership approach in the region. Joint leadership gives us a strong platform to examine service models that could better serve Taranaki. This work will benefit both organisations and, most importantly, the communities we serve.”
Mr Ruru will take over from Gareth Green, who concludes his three-year tenure at NPDC in the coming weeks and will be in the role while NPDC is recruiting a permanent Chief Executive.
He says this will give both councils time to progress work on evaluating how service delivery and community outcomes can be improved as part of the wider Simplifying Local Government reforms.
“My focus will be on preparing both organisations for the future. I’m passionate about the role of local government in supporting our communities, and I am committed to ensuring both councils remain well positioned through this period of transition.”
Details on how Mr Ruru will split his time between the two organisations is still to be finalised.
About Steve Ruru
Steve has been Chief Executive at the Taranaki Regional Council since 2020, having previously served in the same role at the Southland, Kaipara and Thames-Coromandel district councils.
He has held governance roles with Milford Sound Tourism, Lakes District Health Board and the Department of Corrections. Of Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Ranginui descent, Steve was awarded a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato and is a Chartered Accountant Fellow (FCA) with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
