WDC CEO RESIGNS

Waikato District Council Chief Executive Craig Hobbs will step down at the end of October, 18 months after taking up the role with a mandate to reshape the organisation and prepare it for the future.

During his tenure, Council has held rates increases below 4%, maintained its AA+ credit rating, secured significant ongoing contract savings and recorded an operating surplus of more than $26 million. Council also achieved 91% of its key performance indicators for 2025–26.

Hobbs’ time at the helm has included the establishment of IAWAI, New Zealand’s first waters council-controlled organisation with Hamilton City Council, and working alongside Mayor Aksel Bech to navigate the Government’s HeadStart local government reform programme through to a successful proposal.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together,” Craig Hobbs says.

Mayor Bech acknowledged Hobbs’ contribution during what he described as challenging and complex times, with a “reform tsunami” from central government adding to the demands facing councils.

“Craig has achieved several important milestones, taken great care of our council whaanau and our communities and it’s a shame to see him go,” Aksel Bech says.

Council has accepted Hobbs’ resignation and wished him well for the future.

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