Mike Richardson’s second five-year term as Christchurch City Manager ends on 30 June, 2003 and he has indicated to the Council that he will not be reapplying for the position.

Councils are required to advertise their chief executive positions at the end of each contract term. It is likely that advertising for the Christchurch post will begin towards the end of October and that the Council will make an appointment in February next year, 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 nine 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.