Wairoa District Council is pleased to announce that Matthew Lawson has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little is thrilled Mr Lawson has accepted the position. “We were fortunate to have received a high calibre of applicants who all had a genuine desire to lead the Council's operations to make our district the best it can be. The Chief Executive role is pivotal in the direction of Wairoa, and Matt has a proven track record and will bring a wealth of experience.”

As the Council’s Chief Executive, Mr Lawson will be responsible for providing strategic direction, operational management, and overall leadership of the Council, working closely with Elected Members, staff, and stakeholders to advance the Council’s mission and goals.  

“Matt is very highly respected and will be relocating to the Wairoa District. I believe we are very fortunate to have him on board.

Mr Lawson said he is really pleased to have been offered the Council Chief Executive position and looks forward to the challenges of the role and to realising some of the opportunities and potential that the Wairoa District has. “Key factors in taking this role are the strength and resilience of the community and the community outcome focus of the elected councillors.”

Mr Lawson was born and raised in Napier and completed degrees of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at Otago University.  Up until his appointment, he was a partner of Lawson Robinson Barristers and Solicitors and specialised in Civil/Commercial Litigation, Resource Management and Local Government Law. He has represented Local Authority clients as well as private clients and development companies. He also has a ‘hands-on’ interest in the primary sector, running a small mixed farming operation.

Mr Lawson is married to Tracy, and they have five children, all at various stages of university study.  Tracy and their children whakapapa to Ngati Pahauwera and Te Huki Marae, Raupunga.

The new Chief Executive appointment follows the resignation of the previous Chief Executive, Kitea Tipuna, late last year.

While the recruitment process has been carried out, Malcolm Alexander, a former Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand, has held the interim Chief Executive role.

It is expected that Mr Lawson will officially take up the new position in July, with Mr Alexander continuing in the interim position until then.

Caption: Matthew Lawson has been appointed as the Chief Executive of Wairoa District Council.

20 May 2025

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