Western Bay interim Chief Executive announced

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of its interim Chief Executive following the resignation of John Holyoake on 20 January 2025.

Council appointed Miriam Taris to the role at its meeting on 18 February. She will take up the position on 31 March and it is expected she will remain in the role until early 2026 after a full recruitment process commences following the local body elections in October.

Miriam Taris will be a familiar face at Council, having previously worked at Western Bay since 2008 and having been Chief Executive from 2014 to 2021.

Since 2021, Miriam has taken several interim Chief Executive roles in local government, including at South Waikato District Council, New Plymouth District Council and with Taituarā. She is currently assisting in a senior role at Wellington City Council.

Mayor James Denyer is looking forward to Miriam returning to Western Bay, commenting:

“Miriam has a wealth of experience both from her time at Western Bay previously and from the wider perspective she has gained having worked at other councils more recently. Council is very pleased to welcome her back as interim Chief Executive until a permanent replacement is found after the elections.”

John Holyoake will remain as Chief Executive until the end of March when Miriam starts. Mayor James Denyer added:

“I would like to take this opportunity to again thank John for his contribution to our council and the wider district. He leaves Council in a good space to continue to serve our communities.”