Former Invercargill council boss lands new job
“I've never been afraid to ask important questions and get things moving."
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Former Invercargill City Council chief executive Clare Hadley has been named as the Manuherekia Catchment Group’s (MCG) General Manager.
Hadley joins the group following a lengthy career working in Local Government. Her most recent role was with the Invercargill council for five years through to 2023.
She had reapplied for the Invercargill CEO position after her initial five-year term but the council instead opted to promote the council’s then finance group manager Michael Day to the top job.
Manuherekia Catchment Group co-chair Anna Gillespie expressed her enthusiasm about the recent appointment.
“We had some great candidates for the GM position, and the recruitment process was extensive,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to have Clare join us, bringing her significant experience and mana to the role. We’re confident she will excel in the challenges ahead.”
The Manuherekia Catchment Group has a vision for a thriving community united in creating a sustainable, healthy and balanced environment.
MCG co-chair Andrew Paterson emphasised that MCG aims to fulfill its vision by leading through example, being action-orientated, and collaborating closely with the community and partners.
“Clare will be a driving force to help us achieve our vision and will serve as an important central point of contact,” he said.
Hadley said when she saw the role, in a part of the country she loves, it made sense to apply.
"I remember living in the area before the dam and playing hockey and swimming as a kid in the local waterways,” she said.
“I'm drawn to the beautiful hills, the climate, and my passion, cycling. I always say that life is better on two wheels - I’m a trail biker, mountain biker, and enjoy riding pillion on the back of my husband's motorbike. I’m genuinely excited to move to the area.”
An important part of the MCG GM role will be engaging with the local community and building relationships.
“I'm looking forward to learning, meeting people, and building connections,” Hadley said.
“I've never been afraid to ask important questions and get things moving. My time in local and unitary government has taught me that everything starts with getting to know one another and focusing on shared visions.”
“I applaud MCG for everything they are doing to support the community and I’m excited to be part of that, making a real difference at a grassroots level. We’re entering interesting and challenging times for the future of water across New Zealand, and I hope to play my part in that conversation with the MCG.”
Hadley recently spent a day with members of the Group in the catchment.
"Visiting the catchment, getting to know the area and having the benefit of Roger Williams’ expertise was inspiring,” she said.
Hadley will start in the general manager’s role on April 1.
Poor buggers
She starts work on April fools day.
How fitting
What a bunch of hog wash.
She was never the to talk to the people listen to the people she was so unapproachable and didn't give a toss about community feelings or thoughts. Many of us learnt that first hand then told us future plans to appease community feelings then left and these things were just pie in the sky .
She has learnt alot since Nelson watch out she's a snake 1st class