Environment Waikato appoints new chief executive

Acting Environment Waikato chairman John Fisher has announced today the appointment of New Zealander Bob Laing as the regional council’s new chief executive.

Cr Fisher, filling in for chairman Peter Buckley who is on leave, said councillors were very excited about having someone of Mr Laing’s calibre and wealth of experience joining the team.

“Bob has had over 30 years experience working in local government in senior roles. He comes to EW from the City of Greater Shepparton in Victoria, Australia, where he has been the CEO for the past four and a half years and manages more than 700 staff.

“Prior to that, he was the general manager of Griffith City Council in NSW for over three years. He has also been the CEO of several NZ district councils and a catchment and regional water board.

“Bob has a Master in Public Management and Bachelor of Science. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and of Local Government Managers Australia.”

Cr Fisher said Mr Laing would be responsible for steering Environment Waikato through its next Long-Term Council Community Plan process.

He said Mr Laing and his wife Lee enjoy the outdoors, tramping and walking, fishing, reading and socialising with friends.

Mr Laing, who will take up his role on 17 November, said he was really looking forward to joining EW and living in Hamilton.