Otago Regional Council (ORC) chief executive Sarah Gardner announced this week that she is leaving the organisation.

Sarah had held the chief executive position since January 2018 and ORC chair Andrew Noone said she had been a “well-respected and highly thought of chief executive”. 

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead such a special organisation full of talented people who care about their region,” Sarah said.

Highlights of her time with the organisation include the new programmes for biosecurity and catchment management in Otago; the development of a “fit for purpose organisation with the budget and staff to do its best work”; the extensive progress made on planning for land and water management; and the development of partnership with treaty partners that has become significant in many aspects of ORC’s work, Sarah said.

“While often misunderstood, the work of regional councils is vital to the future of regions like Otago,” she said. 

“Management of natural and physical resources, building resilience to natural hazards and climate change, and facilitating community work for environmental benefit, pest management and landowner led outcomes is imperative for future generations.”

Sarah said regional council staff are special people who work hard and sacrifice more lucrative careers for the public good.

Andrew said Sarah had made a considerable contribution in her time at ORC.

“She has raised the practice and performance of the organisation…Her legacy will be evident in several areas, particularly with the strength of the team she has built in the organisation, with the greater role council is playing in projects making a difference on the ground across Otago, with the fit for purpose freshwater policy in progress and in the exciting new headquarters development that the organisation expects to relocate to next year,” he said.

“Mrs Gardner will be sorely missed and we wish her every success for her future.”

PHOTO: Supplied