DCC Chief Executive ‘highly skilled, hardworking, effective’

The Dunedin City Council will farewell an outstanding leader when Chief Executive Sandy Graham steps down later this year.

Mayor of Dunedin Sophie Barker says she can now confirm Ms Graham has not applied to continue as Chief Executive, meaning she will leave the organisation when her existing contract expires in October.

Ms Graham informed Ms Barker of her of her decision in January this year to allow time for a smooth transition.

“Sandy is a highly skilled, hardworking and effective Chief Executive with deep knowledge across many areas of the DCC operation, and she has led from the front in what is a very complex, demanding and public role.

“She has provided amazing support to me, as a new Mayor, and our team of Councillors as we work through the complexities of local government and the huge deluge of government reforms coming our way.

“We have also faced the shock of losing former Mayor and Councillor Jules Radich, and through it all Sandy’s strength, help and guidance has been essential.”

Ms Graham says, “I have loved working for the DCC and with my amazing colleagues over many years. Our staff turn up ready to work hard and make a difference for our communities every single day, and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.”

Ms Graham says highlights of her time as Chief Executive include the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign, the DCC’s improved Civil Defence responsiveness and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as engagement with mana whenua (including the introduction of Te Taki Haruru - our Māori Strategic Framework), and the successful process to obtain consent for the Smooth Hill landfill.

She is also proud of the work internally to develop a new set of values for the DCC and its staff, and to recognise and celebrate the hard mahi of staff across the organisation.

“We’ve also rolled out a new kerbside collection service, opened Te Puna o Whakaehu and the South Dunedin Library, completed the George St upgrade, improved delivery of our capital programme and investment in the renewal of our core infrastructure, all while working to deliver a balanced budget in a tight environment last year.

“It’s also been rewarding to see Dunedin consistently recognised as having the highest quality of life of any New Zealand city. That tells me something great about the place we call home.”

Ms Graham says her focus now is on supporting DCC staff and ensuring the organisation is well placed for imminent reforms and the transition to a new Chief Executive.

Ms Barker says, “Sandy’s immense contribution has made a real difference for Dunedin in challenging times. She’s continued to deliver for our city, and I want to thank her for extraordinary efforts.”

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