Conflicting interpretations of how a recruitment process should play out has turned into a public stoush between an elected representative and the mayor.

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) head of human resources has selected a recruitment agency to help find a replacement for outgoing chief executive Mike Theelen, who will step down from the role in February 2026.

“The next step is for the recruiter to develop a programme regarding the process and timing for the recruitment, which will commence with the recruiter meeting with full council in the coming weeks,” mayor Glyn Lewers said.

“This is in line with Local Government New Zealand’s good practice guide on recruiting a chief executive.”

However, Queenstown-Whakatipu councillor Niki Gladding (who is now running for the Wānaka Ward) says the fact a recruitment agency was selected without elected representatives’ input has raised “alarm bells”.

It did not follow best practice as defined by the office of the auditor general, she said.

Glyn said the process so far was appropriate.

“The recruitment process, whereby the position description is finalised and the job is advertised, hasn’t begun yet,” he said.

“As Niki knows, yet she chooses to disregard, this will also follow correct, standard procedure.”

Glyn said the appointment of the chief executive will be made by the full council, as “has always been the case”. 

However, Niki told the Wānaka App that selecting a recruitment agency “without delegation, mandate, or notice to councillors” risked “a real perception of mistrust”.

Earlier this week mayoral candidate John Glover also weighed in, releasing a statement that he was alarmed recruiters were being considered “behind closed doors”, and urging council to halt the process.

The debate has included in the mix Niki’s opinion that Glyn Lewers is “a dangerous choice for mayor”; and Glyn’s description of her position as “misleading to the community, irresponsible and designed to disrupt”.

Find out more about the candidates in the Election 2025 section of the Wānaka App.

Read more: QLDC chief executive to step down

PHOTO: Supplied