The Dunedin City Council has appointed Richard Briggs, a former Hamilton City Council chief executive, as its next chief executive. He will step into the role in October, succeeding the outgoing Sandy Graham, whose term concludes later this year.
The appointment marks a significant return to Dunedin for Mr Briggs, who previously lived in the city with his family while working for Audit New Zealand. His selection comes after what Mayor Sophie Barker described as a competitive recruitment process with a high-quality field of applicants.
Mr Briggs brings a wealth of experience from his seven-year tenure at the helm of Hamilton City Council. More recently, he served as the interim chief executive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency, guiding the region's economic strategy.
A focus on performance and partnerships
In a statement, Mr Briggs highlighted his achievements in Hamilton, which could offer a preview of his priorities for Dunedin. His focus was on “building organisational credibility, unlocking major infrastructure investment, and securing partnerships with central government that made a real difference to housing and community outcomes in Hamilton,” he said. This experience with infrastructure and housing will be particularly relevant for Dunedin, a city navigating the complexities of ageing water pipes, housing shortages, and the need for urban growth that respects its unique heritage. In Hamilton, for example, a developer unveiled a $100m high-rise tower, showing a similar drive for development. Securing central government funding is a perpetual challenge for local councils, and Mr Briggs' track record suggests a proactive approach to building relationships with Wellington.
I’ve spent a significant portion of my career in local government and I’m genuinely passionate about it. At my core I’m someone who loves building great organisations and getting the best out of the people in them. I believe world-class public sector organisations are absolutely achievable. and that when they’re firing, the difference to communities is profound. I’m coming to Dunedin energised and ready to get stuck in.
The role of a council chief executive is one of the most critical in city governance. The CEO acts as the principal administrative officer, responsible for implementing the council's decisions, managing its budget and significant assets, and leading its hundreds of employees. They serve as the bridge between the elected officials' strategic vision and the day-to-day operations that affect every resident, from rubbish collection to the maintenance of parks and libraries. Find out more about how local government works at the Local Government New Zealand website.
A city of challenges and opportunities
Mr Briggs will be returning to a city that has evolved but continues to face long-term challenges. While his previous experience in Dunedin means he is familiar with the community, he will also need to contend with contemporary issues such as planning for climate change, supporting a vibrant and diverse economy, and ensuring the council's finances are sustainable in the face of rising costs.
Mayor Sophie Barker expressed her confidence in the appointment, stating Mr Briggs was an “outstanding candidate.”
His personal connection to the city was also noted. “I understand the place and the community, and I value the role the Council plays in both,” Mr Briggs says. This local understanding, combined with his extensive external experience, was likely a key factor in his selection.
Acknowledging a long-serving leader
The transition also marks the end of an era with the departure of Sandy Graham. Mayor Barker took the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing chief executive for her long service to the city.
She said Ms Graham “has given many years of service to the DCC. She is a highly skilled, hardworking and effective Chief Executive, who has led from the front in what is a very complex, demanding and public role, and I want to thank her for her efforts.”
Ms Graham has overseen the council through a period of significant change and challenge, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing debates surrounding major city projects. Her leadership has provided stability during a turbulent time for local government throughout New Zealand.
Mr Briggs will officially take up his new position as Dunedin City Council chief executive in October.
