Chief Executive Hamish Riach says Steve's appointment completes the Council's restructuring process with a focus on the delivery of community services.

"We are very pleased to welcome Steve to the Council and our community. Steve brings with him a wealth of local government and community services experience, and I'm sure he will make a great contribution to the management of our important front-facing services and facilities."

On moving to the Ashburton District, Steve commented, "we have looked forward to the move south and working within a progressive district with community facilities that are not often seen in communities the size of Ashburton District."

"For the week we have been here, we have been made to feel very welcome," he added.

Steve has previously been Hauraki District Council's Group Manager - Community Services & Development, and has also worked for Matamata-Piako District Council as their Community Facilities Manager and Community Facilities Parks Officer. Prior to his, he operated his own landscaping company for 13 years.

Steve has also been the Midlands Branch President of the Society of Local Government Managers (SOLGM) and has been on the national executive since 2018.​