Kaipara names new chief executive

Kaipara District Council has appointed experienced local government leader Jazz Singh as its new chief executive.

Singh brings a background in policy, finance, legal and organisational strategy, most recently serving as chief of staff in the Office of the Mayor at Auckland Council.

Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen said Singh’s experience across local government reform, fiscal management and strategic planning made him the right person to lead the council.

“Jazz Singh comes with significant experience across many facets of local government having worked across policy, procurement, fiscal management and organisational strategy,” he said.

“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.”

In his role at Auckland Council, Singh led policy development, central government engagement and strategic planning processes. He also played a key role in organisational reform and the establishment of the Auckland Future Fund.

Previously, as Auckland Council’s head of finance and budget, he oversaw the development of mayoral budget proposals and worked on major projects including water reform, storm recovery and waterfront planning.

Singh also has legal experience, including serving as acting general legal counsel at Auckland Council.

Larsen said Kaipara faced a busy period ahead with local government reforms progressing quickly.

“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,” he said.

Singh has previously worked at Whangārei District Council and has maintained strong ties to Northland.

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

Larsen also thanked interim chief executive Michael Day for leading the organisation over the past three months until a permanent appointment was made.

Singh will begin the role on June 8.