Invercargill welcomes its new Group Manager Community Spaces and Places, Rex Capil, who will assume his role from today (Monday 27th). Bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Gore District Council as Deputy Chief Executive and General Manager Community Lifestyle Services, Capil has a comprehensive background in local government throughout New Zealand. His career includes notable positions at Southland District Council and at Venture Southland, which later transformed into Great South.
Michael Day, the Chief Executive of Invercargill City Council, expressed his enthusiasm about Capil joining the team, highlighting the potential benefits of his vast experience in the council’s operations. “I, and the other members of the Executive Leadership Team, are immensely impressed with Rex’s background. I’m really looking forward to seeing what he’s capable of here in Invercargill,” Day commented. He noted that Capil’s primary focus will be Project 1225, a significant museum rebuild project, expressing confidence in Capil’s suitability for this challenging task.
For Capil, this role represents a homecoming and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community. He said, “It’s a Council that has so many exciting opportunities ahead, and from my perspective, it provides scale, resources and a sense of purpose, which means we can make a difference working alongside the community we serve now and for future generations. This has a real feel of coming home (tūrangawaewae) and being involved in community spaces and places that I have had an interest in for my entire life, being born and bred here.”
Capil looks forward to rekindling old connections and fostering new ones. He emphasizes the people-centric nature of local government, stating, “Local government is all about people and I am looking forward to getting alongside the wide range of stakeholders who have ‘skin in the game’ to make our city a place people are proud of.”
His initial goals include helping the community understand the complexities of local government and supporting the council’s workforce. “My focus is on our people and wrapping around support, structures, resources, and tools so they are well-supported and can deliver the best possible outcomes for the future of our city,” Capil explained, focusing on stability, delivery, accountability, and support for the council’s human resources.
Capil’s appointment fills the vacancy left by Steve Gibling in August. His responsibilities will encompass managing the council’s parks, pool, venues, library, and museum services.