Whakatāne District Mayor Tony Bonne has announced that Council Chief Executive Marty Grenfell will leave the organisation on 31 August to take up the chief executive role at Tauranga City Council.

“On a personal level, this is an announcement I make with tremendous sadness, and I know my fellow elected members will feel the same way,” Mayor Bonne says. “But at the same time, we always knew Marty would be moving on to bigger things at some stage and this move is a wonderful opportunity for him.

“The Whakatāne District has been privileged to have Marty lead our Council team for close to seven years. During that time, he has instilled a level of professionalism which will mean that he leaves us in fine stead. This is now a strong, agile and committed organisation, and I’m sure that will be reflected in the quality of the applicants who will be putting their names forward for the CE role when it is advertised in the next few weeks.”

Marty says that while he is excited by the challenge ahead, it will be tough leaving behind friends and colleagues – and an area that has so much to offer.

“Whakatāne has become home and will always remain a special place for our family. Professionally, I have relished the opportunities my role has given me and I’m grateful for the faith and support provided by elected members, staff and the community. Tauranga is only an hour away, so I intend to maintain the enduring relationships I have formed with so many people in the Whakatāne District.”