Christchurch City Council’s chief executive will leave her role two months before her contract is complete.

Mary Richardson due to finish on 1 May 2026.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger confirmed the move, saying Richardson had been brought in for a fixed period to stabilise the organisation and lift performance.

Over the past two and a half years, she has overseen improvements in resident satisfaction, service delivery, and staff engagement and wellbeing.

Richardson said the timing was right as the council shifts focus to its next phase.

“When I agreed to take on the Chief Executive role, it was with a clear purpose and a clear timeframe. The organisation is now in a strong position and focused on the upcoming Annual Plan and the development of the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan. It makes sense for someone who will be here through the period of planning and delivery to lead it.”

“I want to thank staff across the organisation for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience; the Mayor and Councillors for their support and commitment to the city; and our residents, whose expectations and aspirations drive us to do better every day. It has been a privilege to serve this community.”

Mauger said “Mary has been such a safe pair of hands and stepped up at a critical time, delivering exactly what the organisation needed. Her leadership has strengthened performance, lifted confidence, and set us up well for the future. She’s a public servant through and through. We are extremely grateful for her service and wish her the very best.”

Her contract had been set to end on 30 June, but this was brought forward due to accrued leave.

Recruitment for a replacement is underway, with an acting chief executive to be appointed during the transition.