English chief executive appointed to lead NZ council

A council chief executive is leaving England to take charge of services in New Zealand's capital city.

Matt Prosser is joining Wellington City Council as chief executive, after more than five years at Dorset Council.

He oversaw the formation of the English authority in 2019 and has dealt with issues including the arrival of the government's barge for asylum seekers at Portland Port.

In November, the New Zealand government appointed a Crown Observer to oversee Wellington City Council, after ministers reportedly described it as a "shambles", "shemozzle" and a place of "meddling bureaucracy".

The city, also known by the Māori name Pōneke, has challenges including antagonism between councillors, financial strain and its resilience to earthquakes, according to local media.

Mr Prosser said: "I love New Zealand and have always thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Wellington.

"My wife and I are looking forward to becoming Wellingtonians and walking the lovely bush trails with our golden retriever.

"Wellington is just the kind of city we love, full of innovative, creative people, wonderful nature and a rich history."

Wellington City Council, which previously hired another English chief executive in 2012, said there was "global interest" in the role.

Mr Prosser, who earns £185,079 at Dorset Council, may be in line for a salary of more than £250,000 in New Zealand, based on his predecessor's wage.

Dorset Council said it had made £96m of savings, secured a high rating for children's services and had boosted recycling under his leadership.

The authority said it would start the process of recruiting a new chief executive soon.

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