The mayor of Buller District Council is refusing to say why its second chief executive has quit early.
Photo: Buller District Council
Andy Gowland-Douglas resigned suddenly last month, two years into her five-year contract. She took over from Paul Wylie who resigned a year before his contract was due to end.
Mayor Garry Howard declined to say what was behind it, or whether it was linked to an employment dispute.
"No... Andy's resignation is fine and we wish her the best for the future and we've just got to get on and provide the services to the community."
Mr Howard agreed the public had a right to know, and said the council had communicated on the matter as well as it could.
Mrs Gowland-Douglas said it was a career decision to quit, based on the fact she was struggling to make the impact she wanted to.
She moved from the North Island with her husband and young family to take up the role, and said it was the wrong time to enter into the role given how much time the job had taken her away from home life.
"For me it's more a reflection on where I was at, where I was making a difference, and where I wanted to make a difference."
Mrs Gowland-Douglas said she was keen to return to the not-for-profit sector, which was where her passion was.
Mr Howard said having two chief executives leave within two years had been disruptive for the council.
"It takes the eye away from getting on with some work you'd like to progress, and it takes energy, time and resources away from that, but we are working through it and we'll look forward to getting on with the projects at hand."
Mr Howard said former Nelson City Council chief executive Keith Marshall would step into the role until a permanent appointment was found.
Mr Marshall was most recently chief executive of Careers New Zealand. He said the West Coast presented a particular set of challenges because of the ongoing impact of the global financial crisis.
"From my point of view the Buller District Council found itself in a space needing someone to come in on a temporary basis. That works for me really well, and it works for them."
Mr Marshall said he had no intention of going back to a full-time role, but planned to help the transition to a new full-time appointment at the council.
He lives in the Tasman District and planned to commute to Westport and conduct business by phone.
