Overview
Pat has worked in local government for over 36 years. He started out in engineering roles before moving into general management and for the last 15 years has been a Chief Executive. He has a very good understanding of local government, the work it undertakes, and the reform challenges it faces in the coming years.
One of Pat’s strengths is getting the right people in the right places, supporting them with good business processes and getting an organisation to hum. He has extensive change management experience. He knows what it takes to develop a positive, supportive culture and to develop high performing teams.
Pat is good at developing and maintaining strong working relationships with iwi. He has significant experience in the management of risk, plus an in depth understanding of how local government operates. He has a successful history of developing working relationships with Government departments and agencies.
Pat is an excellent strategic thinker and tactician. He has strong negotiating skills.
Pat is a Member of the Institute of Directors and a Chartered Member of Engineering NZ.
KEY SKILLS
- A very good understanding of the local government sector (both territorial local authorities and regional councils).
- Leading complex organisations and providing a clear sense of strategic direction.
- Improving organisational performance through the design and implementation of effective structures / business processes and successfully leading the associated change process.
- Developing and maintaining excellent working relationships with iwi.
- A strong technical background in Three Waters. A good understanding of the reform process and its implications.
- Negotiating with multiple parties to achieve positive outcomes.
- The management of risk, and in particular, compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 2015.
- Coaching and mentoring of senior executives.
EXPERIENCE
Nelson City Council - Chief Executive
- Executive leadership of a Unitary Council responsible for delivering both regional and district council functions to a population of 55,000. The Council employs 340 staff, with an operating budget of $130 million pa, capital budget of $70 million pa and total assets of $2.2 billion.
Three Waters Reform
- A member of the Working Party that assisted with advice on the proposal to establish Taumata Arowai and provided commentary on the associated legislation. A member of the Joint Central/Local Government Three Waters Steering Committee.
Kapiti Coast District - Council Chief Executive
- Executive leadership of a Council in one of the fastest growing districts in the Wellington region with a population of 52,000. The Council employed 310 staff, with an operating budget of $70 million pa, capital budget of $30 million pa and total assets of $1.6 billion.
McKays to Pekapeka Alliance - Board Member
- The Alliance was responsible for designing, consenting, and constructing the 17km, $650 million expressway that runs through Raumati, Paraparaumu and Waikanae. Appointed to the Alliance Board together with representatives from Fletcher Construction, Higgins Group, Beca and Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
Wellington Region CDEM Executive Group (CEG) - Chair
- The CEG comprised the CEOs of the region’s nine Councils and two DHBs, and senior representatives from Police, Fire Service and MSD. Led the process that saw the nine Councils agree to work collaboratively and combine their CDEM staff into one organisation.
Fire & Emergency NZ
- Appointed to the National Rural Fire Committee of the NZ Fire Service Commission. Provided advice on the fire service legislation that saw the establishment of Fire & Emergency NZ.
Nelson City Council – Manager Technical Services
- Responsible for the delivery of the full range of engineering services to the city - water, wastewater, stormwater, roading, public transport, waste management and landfills.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Company Directors Course, Institute of Directors, 2021
- MBA (with Distinction), Massey University, 2002 (top graduate for year).
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), University of Canterbury, 1979
Professional Membership
- Member of the Institute of Directors
- Chartered Member of Engineering NZ
- Member of Taituara (Local Government Professionals Aotearoa)
