Singh steps into top role

A new chief executive of Kaipara District Council has been announced, with Jazz Singh set to start in the role this month.

Singh brings extensive local government experience, having worked in a range of leadership roles. Some of his more notable appointments include head of finance and budget and chief of staff in the Mayor of Auckland’s office. He was also previously democracy and legal manager at Whangarei District Council from 2010 to 2011.

Singh’s appointment will be his first chief executive role and continues a period of leadership turnover at Kaipara District Council, which has had multiple chief executives over the past decade.

Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen said Singh’s experience and commitment to taking Kaipara forward made him the best choice for the role.

“Jazz Singh comes with significant experience across many facets of local government, having worked across policy, procurement, fiscal management and organisational strategy. He knows his way around complex reform. I think together we will achieve great things for our district, and I am excited to begin working with Mr Singh.”

“We have a busy road ahead of us with multiple local government reforms happening at pace – Mr Singh will bring a fresh perspective and is the right person to lead our organisation.”

In his previous role as head of finance and budget, Singh worked closely with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, overseeing the development of mayoral budget proposals and major initiatives, including water reform, storm recovery and waterfront planning.

While serving as chief of staff to Brown, he led policy development, engagement with central government and the delivery of strategic planning processes. He was also involved in work to establish the Auckland Future Fund, a council-owned investment fund established to grow long-term returns from the sale of Auckland Airport shares in 2024.

The fund was created to help pay for major infrastructure projects while reducing pressure on rates and debt.

He is also an experienced solicitor, having worked as general legal counsel (acting) at the Auckland Council.

Singh replaces current interim chief executive Michael Day and will start his new role on June 8.

“I am keen to get started and deliver positive outcomes for the ratepayers and residents of the district,” he said.