Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed a new general manager of assurance, finance and risk.

Katherine Harbrow will start in the role on August 12, succeeding long-standing council manager Stewart Burns who is retiring after nearly 28 years’ service.

QLDC chief executive Mike Theelen said there will be a comprehensive handover period of two to three months to ensure a smooth and informed transition.

“Congratulations and a warm welcome to Katherine,” Mike said. 

“She’s an exceptional leader with proven local government experience who’ll be a great addition to our executive leadership team and council as a whole.”

Katherine is a chartered accountant and holds an MBA from the University of Canterbury. She is joining QLDC from Te Pūkenga where she was the financial reporting and operations Director. 

Her previous roles include chief financial officer and director operations at Environment Canterbury, and finance business partner at Christchurch City Council.

Katherine said she’s looking forward to building on her existing connections to the district.

“I was born in Invercargill, had holidays in Frankton and Arrowtown, and met, got engaged and married my husband in Queenstown,” she said.

“I have 28 years’ experience of leading teams and 11 years in local government. This has included leading or supporting four Long Term Plans, enhancing financial data accessibility, and working with the same core IT system used at QLDC.”

Mike Theelen paid tribute to Stewart, who will retire later this year.

Stewart Burns

“On behalf of everyone at council, I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Stew,” he said. 

The knowledge he has built up over nearly three decades here is unparalleled, and his sage guidance has steered us through both calm and, at times, choppy waters.” 

“While he’ll be a tough act to follow, I’m delighted that he’s staying on until later this year to share his wisdom and give Katherine the best possible foundation on which to build her own approach.”

PHOTOS: Supplied