Executive Members
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HAMISH RIACHThe Chief Executive oversees the operational structure of Ashburton District Council. About Hamish Hamish has 18 years’ experience in the local government sector, having held financial and chief executive roles across four district and city councils. He began his local government career at Christchurch City Council, before spending time at Manawatu, Mackenzie and Selwyn District Councils, where he was Chief Executive for two years. Hamish has also held several chief executive positions in the private sector, amassing 24 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University and is a member of Taituarā — Local Government Professionals Aotearoa. |
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NEIL MCCANNThe Infrastructure & Open Spaces group manages the district's open spaces, water, wastewater, stormwater, waste management, and roading infrastructure. It advises on existing and future needs of public utilities and infrastructure. About Neil Neil has 20 years of local government experience. Neil is a member of IPENZ, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration from the Henley Management College (London). |
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SARAH MOSLEYOur People & Facilities group is responsible for EA Networks Centre, Ashburton Public Library, Ashburton Art Gallery & Museum and Customer Services teams. It also looks after recruitment, learning & performance, internal policies, benefits, culture, health & safety, wellbeing, measuring performance and developing efficiencies in our business practices. About Sarah Sarah has held human resources roles in both private and public sectors. She graduated from the University of Canterbury with a degree in Commerce(double major), and has a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration. Sarah has seen Council's activities and facilities it provides the community increase significantly over the last 15 years in her position. |
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LEANNE MACDONALDThe Business Support group is responsible for finance, treasury and all billing, including the management of the rating function. Property is responsible for all council buildings, including the airport, commercial properties, and Elderly Persons Housing. Information Services, manages the GIS function, information management, IT systems and business improvements, and finally Legal Counsel supports the Council across the activities. About Leanne Leanne has experience in business support, finance and accounting roles at Central Otago District Council, Horizons Regional Council, Palmerston North Airport Ltd, Enable New Zealand, AgResearch and Massey University. She is a member of the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants. |
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TONI DURHAMOur Democracy and Engagement group is responsible for Strategy and Policy, Iwi Relationships, Governance, Communications as well as Reserve Boards, Hall Committees, Mt Hutt Memorial Hall (MHMH), District Pools and Grants. The group brings together activities that focus on Council’s relationships with our communities, elected members and stakeholders to support robust decision-making. About Toni Toni has led a range of strategic projects and teams in her career at Council since 2007 including Acting Group Manager of Business Support, Strategy and Policy Manager, and Flood Recovery Manager for the 2021 Civil Defence flood emergency. Toni holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Science majoring in Business Development and Social Sciences from Lincoln University. She is trained in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, IAP2 (Certificate of Public Participation) and is a member of Taituarā (Local Government Professionals Aotearoa) and PRINZ (Public Relations Institute). |
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IAN HYDEThe Compliance & Development group is responsible for economic development and regulatory services including building regulation, district planning, emergency management, and land information. It also covers regulatory functions and compliance such as alcohol licensing, animal control, environmental health, and parking. About Ian Born and raised in Christchurch, Ian attended the Lincoln University where he completed a degree in resource management. Ian has worked in local government planning since 2002 in New Zealand and the United Kingdom and was previously the District Planning Manager from 2011 to 2024. Ian is a Civil Defence Controller, a member of is a member of Taituarā (Local Government Professionals Aotearoa) and an Associate Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute. |
Chief Executive
Group Manager Infrastructure & Open Spaces
Group Manager People & Facilities
Group Manager Business Support
Group Manager Democracy & Engagement
Group Manager Compliance & Development