The City Council has advertised for a new chief executive following the announcement by City Manager Mike Richardson that he will not reapply for the position when his second five-year term ends on 30 June next year.

Councils must advertise their chief executive positions at the end of each contract term. It is likely that the Council will make an appointment around the end of February next year, in time for the new appointee to start in July.

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore says the Council will want to make sure it attracts top talent. “Although largely behind-the-scenes this is a key role for the city and it’s really important that we cast a wide net and attract the best candidates we can, both locally and internationally,” Mr Moore says.

Mike Richardson will have been at the Christchurch City Council for 14 years, 10 of them as city manager.

"For the next eight months I've got a number of projects which I want to see achieved,” he says. “These include helping the Council achieve its efficiency targets and equipping itself to handle the new procedures in the Local Government Bill excellently.

“I aim to leave the council administration in good shape and move on to a fresh range of challenges. At this stage I'm not intending to seek another senior line management job in local government in New Zealand but rather will be looking to undertake teaching, facilitation roles and perhaps some consultant assignments, both in New Zealand and overseas."