Regional Council saddened by loss

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman John Cronin has expressed his deepest sympathies to Tauranga City Council staff and Councillors and Mr Paterson's wife Melanie and his family on hearing of the passing of the Council's Chief Executive Officer Ken Paterson today.

"We are deeply saddened and feel that the loss of Ken will be a significant loss for the Council and the Tauranga community," Mr Cronin said. "Mr Paterson had only been in the Bay for about a year, but had made a significant impact and was eager to continue to build on the close relationships between the Bay's councils and stakeholders.

"We understand that this is a difficult time for the Council and we will do everything we can to support them in the coming months," Mr Cronin said.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chief Executive Mary-Anne Macleod echoed the Chairman's comments. Ms Macleod said that Ken had brought new and different views to Local Government in the Bay and his enthusiasm for the job and for making a difference will be missed.

"Ken's death is a significant loss to the sector. We will provide all the support we can to Tauranga City Council and its staff in what will be a trying period," Ms Macleod said.