Gore District Council chief executive Stephen Parry is leaving the role after 22 years of service. Mr Parry tendered his resignation on Friday, effective from Tuesday 31 October. In a statement on behalf of the Mayor and Councillors, intermediary Cr Richard McPhail said the Council was grateful to Mr Parry for his tremendous work over the years. Related: Gore District Council Seeks Reconciliation and Regains Focus on Community
“He has been a champion for Gore and its ratepayers and a senior figure on Southland’s local government landscape.”
While the Council understands Mr Parry’s decision to start a new chapter in his career and life, it acknowledged his extensive experience and high degree of professionalism would be missed, Cr McPhail said. “Steve has a wealth of knowledge and is well respected in local government circles.” He leaves an experienced senior management team and staff, which will be of great assistance for the future, Cr McPhail said. Mr Parry joined the Council as chief executive in September 2001.
During his local government career, he had served as president of Taituarā, when it was the Society of Local Government Managers. He also served as the Australasian vice-president of ICMA, an international association for local government professionals.
In an email to staff today, Mr Parry expressed his pride in serving as chief executive and the culture that has been forged at the Council. “I leave with no regrets and a fair degree of excitement about what lies ahead.” Mr Parry said he plans to take time to reflect and set his priorities and challenges for 2024. He was looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Gore District Mayor Ben Bell said the Council was hopeful Mr Parry would assist with the transition to a new chief executive. Recruitment for a chief executive would commence immediately. “The process will take about six months, which means we will be looking to appoint an interim chief executive in due course,” said Mr Bell.