Our Team
Information about Councils vision, community outcomes and the teams and people working to make them happen.
Working for the future of Kaikōura
Under the Three Year Plan 2018-2021, Council adopted the vision of 'helping Kaikōura District move forward as a great place to live with a strong, well-connected community, that is ecologically exemplary and economically prosperous.'
Council has approximately 46 full time equivalent staff, filling 53 different roles. 8 of these roles are funded through grants or external funders.
All Council's work over 2018-2021 contributes to one or more of the outcomes shown of the left. We are working hard to become an effective, modern Council. This means actively planning to tackle the districts long standing issues, improving the quality of the services Council provides, improving the quality of life for those who live here and taking a forward looking approach to incorporating the four wellbeing’s into our work.
Download a diagram showing how everyone fits together
CEO and Support
The CEO, Executive Officer and Communications and Engagement team, HR, Health Safety and Wellbeing. Together, they connect a lot of the nuts and bolts of what goes on at Council.
Who I am: Before joining KDC, I was the Manager: Corporate Services at the Buller District Council. I have over 7 years experience in local government in NZ preparing and engaging with the community. I also holds a Masters in Business Leadership and a Bachelor of Commerce combined with both public and private sector experience.
I am originally from South Africa and am married with one daughter.
Why I'm here: I joined Kaikōura District Council on 1st February 2016. I moved to Kaikōura for a change, for the lifestyle, the weather and the environment as well as the chance to make a difference and help the district grow and develop to meet new challenges.
What I can help you with: Big picture stuff, where Council is going, what we are and aren't working on, how we work with the Community and the Councillors to help grow and develop our District to be all it can be.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026
Email: Angela@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I moved to Kaikōura in April 2017 and joined KDC on secondment from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Why I'm here: I had wanted to move to Kaikōura since visiting in 2014 and jumped at the chance to join the team at Council. With a background in social marketing and crisis communication, I am new to local government and very much enjoying the challenge.
What I can help you with: Anything to do with information on our Facebook, Website, Newsletters, or in the Newspapers, help with sharing or promoting local information, events and stories. Help connecting community groups or members with the work going on at Council and vice versa.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 562 6669
Email: Libby@kaikoura.govt.nz
LinkedIn: Libby Clifford
Phone: 027 571 3525
Who I am: Husband, father, human being and thirty- year plus contributor to improving workplaces for people and employers. Leadership team member with a focus on visionary, strategic and operational Human Resources but also with governance experience and leadership of public affairs, company secretarial and project management. I also love riding my downhill mountain bike in fast and gnarly ways. I read a lot across all sorts of genres. I also like playing Player Unknown Battleground.
Why I'm here: I am here as a fixed –term contractor working for the Chief Executive to assist in the Human Resources space. I came here to help in any way that I could and assist the Chief Executive, Leadership Team, staff and community in the people space.
What I can help you with: Any and all things people and work.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 637 7914
Email: Chris.Till@kaikoura.govt.nz
Other: See me on LinkedIn
Community Services and Community Development
Connecting and supporting our community through youth coordination, event coordination, our Library, community development, Pensioner Housing, Violence Free coordination, Council front desk team and our Emergency Management Officer.
Who I am: I moved to Kaikōura with Stephen and my family of 3 boys to occupy 35 acres of paradise north of Kaikōura in 2004. I worked at the Council from 2007-2014.
Why I'm here: I was brought back to support the social recovery effort 3 weeks after the earthquake. I really enjoy supporting the team and the community.
What I can help you with: Anything to do with community support. If I can't help, I can find someone who can.
How to contact me:
Phone: 021 962 579
Email: susi@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: Reader, gardener, and brewery magnate. I came to Kaikōura over 14 years ago with my husband Max. We live the vita loca on an animal-filled lifestyle block. Look for me in town being dragged around by the world’s largest puppy.
Why I’m here: To nag, cajole, inspire, guilt and beg you to be prepared for disaster as well as getting my co-workers ready to respond to help the community in the Emergency Operation Centre.
What I can help you with: I can help your family, your community, or your business get an emergency plan together. I am happy to talk to any group, anywhere about being prepared. I try to keep it fun and I will convince you how being prepared for a disaster will not only help you in the future but make your present even better.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03. 319 5026 ext. 237 (I work Monday – Wednesday)
Email: kd.scattergood@Kaikoura.govt.nz
Image credit: Andrew Spencer
Who I am: E toru au tamariki, e toru tekau ma ono tau tamahine, e toru tekau ma toru tau te tama me te tamahine Kotahi tekau ma toru tau. He tekau ma iwa marama ano hoki taku mokopuna. Ko taku tane ko Algie Brown. No Wairoa taku iwi, ko Kahunguni kei Wairoa. K otaku waka ko Takitimu, ko Takitimu taku waka. Ko toku hapu ko Ngati Porou. He wahine kaha ahau, he wahine whakahihi
Why I’m here: I am very self-motivated about being part of the solution, part of the group who want to support our community going forward.
What I can help you with: Our R you Okay team go out into the community to complete well-being surveys and identify other areas that people need to help with, I will then make referrals to people in our community that provide that support, help, advice, I will also follow through to ensure that people don’t fall through the cracks.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 566 3064
Who I am:
Why I’m here: To help Kaikōura residents through their repair or rebuild process as a result of the earthquake. I have many years of experience in the building and construction industry, so I know how these processes work.
What I can help you with: My role as the Rebuild Navigator is to help you through you individual repair or rebuild process. Whether you need help with insurance, finding a tradie, Council processes such as consents or your overall project, I am here to help. Give me a call to discuss what you need help with.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 475 5259
Who I am: I moved to Kaikōura in February 2018 after studying at Lincoln University and spending time travelling in various capacities over the years. A farm girl at heart, I enjoy anything to do with being outside.
Why I’m here: I have been with Council since February 2018. I enjoy working in Local Government and facilitating the community to develop in a way that supports their wider goals. There is a communications component to my role so you will more often than not see my face at Council meetings and various community events.
What I can help you with: My role in Community Development is part time, the other half is spent furthering my studies. I can help the community with information and assistance around Pensioner Housing, community facilities, connecting with social services, Youth Council/youth development, community communications, community events, Civil Defence community support and generally helping council departments and services. If I can’t find the answer, I’ll do my best to find someone that can!
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 267 or 0277 268 349
Who I am: I moved to Kaikōura in March 2017. I joined the KDC Recovery team after working in the Canterbury recovery for over 7years. Now I’ve joined the customer service team.
Why I’m here: I moved for a change of lifestyle, the weather and to enjoy the beautiful Kaikōura region as well as the chance to make a difference and assist the community.
What I can help you with: I can help you with pretty much anything, I can receipt any payments you wish to make, direct you to the right department, book the Memorial Hall and much, much more.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 200
Email: Lara.Jacobs@Kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I am Jo Thomson and I joined the FOH team in March. My Partner, John and I, together with three of our brood moved to Kekerengu from North Canterbury in 2016, six months prior to the 7.8, timing is everything! I have an extensive administration background, however local government is relatively new to me. When I’m not at the Council I enjoy helping out on our sheep and beef farm, spending time with family and friends, and dabbling in the kitchen. I also enjoy watching Sophie, Tom, Fern, Claire and Rosa play sports and I treasure time hanging out with my two dogs, Bill and Poppy.
Why I’m here: An opportunity arose to join the Customer Support team three days a week – the perfect work/life balance.
What I can help you with: I am happy to help you with all of your Council queries whether it be customer service requests, payments, property file lookups, or at the very least, I’ll point you in the right direction.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026
Email: jo.thomson@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I am Cheryl Barker the Library Manager which is a busy, challenging role but very rewarding. I am a proud mum to Clinton. We love camping, fishing and riding our motorbikes together or just hanging out at the beach. Gardening is a real pleasure. Reading is a must at all levels. I have been a dedicated volunteer for Kaikōura St Johns service for over 30years now.
Why I’m here: I have been working in the library for 22 years now. I have a real passion for ensuring the diverse Kaikōura community has a fabulous library which can be enjoyed by all ages and stages of life. Out library has one of the best views around so come and check your library out. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
What I can help with: I have the pleasure of purchasing the items for your library collections. Any new books you may be dying to read let us know. I will do my very best to help where I can. Once the items arrive you will find me busy cataloging them onto the library system. We put the items on display to ensure you get a chance to see what is new. You are more than welcome to reserve that special item and we will contact you when it is available.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 6280
Email: Cheryl@kdclibrary.co.nz
Who I am: Hi my name is Jackie Brown and I have lived in Kaikōura for over 40years now. I am a big sister to two sisters, mother to an adult son and daughter. Partner to an awesome bloke named Keith, and food provider for 1 dog and three cats. I like the way we can enjoy the quiet or busy life in Kaikōura hence why I have stayed.
Why I’m here: I am a Library Assistant on level 1 of the Civic building and I am here to help the Kaikōura residents enjoy their reading experience by being able to guide them in choosing something old, new and mind alteringly awesome from our Library shelves. I also offer assistance where possible to some curly questions and offer free belly laughs and sarcasm if needed.
What I can help you with: I will give most things ago unless it is sports related, but I can cheer if needed. I do many varied jobs at the Library from counting the cash to covering the new books, so I guess I’m the Jackie of all trades around her on Library level 1.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 6280
Who I am: I was born in the Phillippines and I came over to Kaikoura in June 1979. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree major in National Language and Library Science. I joined the Kaikoura Library in May 1996.
Why I am here: Meeting people of different walks of life and working for them motivates me, that’s why I took this job. I am here to support the delivery of the different library services to the community and to the public in general. Above all, I am here to assist the Library Manager to achieve the goals/objectives of the Library.
What I can help you with: I can help the public to find library materials for their personal or educational research or for just reading purposes. I can help grandparents/parents to encourage their children to visit the library and explore resources that the library has. For some who are unable to come to the library, I can choose books and other materials of their likings. If it needs to be delivered to them, I will gladly do so. These are only few of the many services the library can offer.
Who I am: My name is Dannielle Solheim and I have been in Kaikōura for a couple of years now. I enjoy getting caught in the rain and pina coladas. I love the outdoors and I read a lot, so the peaceful quiet life here suits me very well.
Why I’m here: I work in the Library and I think it’s an awesome place to go. The Library Team have created a really great environment for our Community to come to and I am here to help contribute to that where I can.
What I can help you with: We assist with a broad range of things in the Library, from finding books to printing, but most importantly I can tell you where you can buy the best scones.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 6280
Email: dannielle@kdclibrary.co.nz
Asset Management
The team responsible for the maintenance and management of Council owned assets including roads, streetlights, footpaths, three waters, parks and recreation, airport and the harbour.
Who I am: Originally from the UK, I had an extensive career in administration in both public and private sectors. We moved to Kaikōura in 2011, owning and operating a luxury lodge to the north of town. We chose Kaikōura because of the fantastic environment, friendly people and lifestyle opportunities.
Why I'm here: I joined KDC in March 2017 on a fixed term contract to assist with the extra workload following the earthquake. Despite the challenges, I believe Kaikōura has a brilliant future and it is a great opportunity to be a part of it.
What I can help you with: Help contacting the Finance Team, the Operations & Asset Management team and the Rebuild team as well as assisting with operations and engineering service requests
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 266
Phone: 027 231 1138
Email: Mark.Millar@Kaikoura.govt.nz
Building and Regulatory
Helping our community run smoothly through animal control, liquor licencing, environmental health and all things building including consents, planning and inspections.
Who I am: I am a Dad to three lovely girls. I recently moved to Kaikōura to assist in the rebuild and recovery of this fine community.
Why I'm here: I am here to enjoy the fishing that Kaikōura has to offer.
What I can help you with: Any building or regulatory matters that you may be faced with.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 216
Who I am: Mum to 3 grown up children and two amazing grandchildren, all who live overseas. I have very fond memories of Kaikōura and when an opportunity arose to live and work in this unique part of New Zealand how could I resist.
Why I'm here: I am here to enjoy the tranquility of the area, after living in big cities it is a very pleasant change.
What I can help you with: Primarily regulatory services ie: animal control, parking etc. But I am also available to give advise and help with dog behaviour issues.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 3195026 ext. 260
Who I am: I am married with four children and have been working in the building industry for 15 years.
Why I'm here: I moved here to enjoy the diving, fishing & hunting Kaikōura has to offer.
What I can help you with: I am here to help you with any building control/inspection matters you may have. I process and inspect building work on behalf of Council.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 210
Who I am: I moved here in August 2018 with my partner and two fur babies to enjoy the quieter lifestyle, beautiful scenery and everything else in between!
Why I'm here: Kaikōura has always been on the cards for us to relocate to, so when we had the opportunity, it was an easy decision.
What I can help you with: Any building regulatory administrative questions or queries.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 202
Email: Ella.Turner@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I am a mother of two kids and a handful of dogs! I am also partner to a keen hunter and have been welcomed with open arms into this lovely community.
Why I'm here: After living in huge suburbs of Australia I am here to enjoy the quieter life Kaikōura has to offer.
What I can help you with: Anything to do with Building and Regulatory services and if I can’t help, I can find someone who can.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 205
Email: Rebecca.Harding@kaikoura.govt.nz
Finance and Commercial
The team managing Council's financial performance and business processes including Economic Recovery, contracts, rates and revenues, claims, accounts payable and receivable
Who I am: A European born economic development professional, who, 20 years ago traded in the NZ city lifestyle and became a “mobile skilled worker” – someone who enjoys using economic development skills in a variety of locations in rural and regional Australia
Why I'm here: an I look forward to applying my well-rounded experience in economic and tourism development sectors for communities with a population below 10,000.
Kaikōura marine dominant environs are somewhat similar to my previous Whitsundays location. The potential to optimise Kaikōura’s district economy and to maximise post-quake community and business growth opportunities are stimulating future challenges for me.
What I can help you with: Strategic economic development framework, tourism sector development, investment attraction, business development projects and business/demographic data.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 576 0908
Email: Martin.Homisan@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I have a masters degree in public sector management, and a passion for local government, with over 21 years experience in the sector. I am a wife, a mum, a volunteer trustee with the Huttons Shearwater Charitable Trust, and have lived in Kaikōura since 1996.
Why I'm here: Kaikōura is such a stunning place, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I love the people, the environment, and the relaxed lifestyle. Working at the Council means I am at the hub of the community and can really help make things happen.
What I can help you with: I’m responsible for financial reports, annual plan, budgets, rates policies, financial and corporate planning.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 203
Who I am: I am a Chartered Certified Accountant.
I moved to and started working in Kaikōura at the District Council in Sep 2016 after returning home from living in the UK for 18 years. I was mainly in London during that time and my last role involved working in PFI/PPP - building infrastructure for the UK Government.
Why I'm here: I love living near the sea. I am a huge fan of the outdoors, horse riding and tennis.
What I can help you with: I work in the finance team and I produce monthly management reports, capitalise assets, reconcile the general ledger, submit GST returns/NZTA claims, assist with the Annual Report and Kaikōura Enhancement Trust.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 232
Who I am: I have lived in Kaikōura for 25 years and enjoy being part of our community. I am a keen genealogist and have enjoyed helping Librarian Nikki with establishing a family history club in Kaikōura.
Why I'm here: I joined KDC in March 2017 to help with earthquake claims. I also look after leases and accounts receivable. I am Treasurer for the Kaikōura Health Facility Community Trust.
What I can help you with: I can help you with lease inquiries and accounts receivable.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 264
Email: Wendy@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who am I: I was born in Kaikōura and have lived here all my life. I live on a lifestyle block and my husband and I have our own Electrical Business. We have three adult children and currently one adorable granddaughter.
Why I'm here: I joined Kaikōura District Council in September 2017 as a Customer Services Officer and am now part of the Finance Team. I used to work for the Kaikōura County Council prior to starting our family.
What I can help you with: I can help you with leases and licences to occupy, sundry invoices, water billing, rates support and customer services support.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 218
Strategy Policy and Planning
It's all about having a plan, these guys cover resource consents, the District and Long Term Plans and look after all the rules and regulations governing what people can and can't build and do in our District.
Why I'm here: To help support our community with development of planning policy and use of local knowledge to assist with processing of resource consents.
What I can help you with: Plan changes and significant policy decisions for our community.
How to contact me: Best to make an appointment at the front desk.
Who I am: My name is Jacob Turnbull, I have a Bachelor of Environmental Management and Planning from Lincoln University, and I now work in the role of Policy Planner. Originally from Christchurch, I moved to Kaikōura in May 2018 for work after some travel. I am passionate about the enjoyment of the outdoors. I regularly enjoy fishing, hiking, surfing and gardening. I am yet to be crazy enough to start a family of my own.
Why I'm here: To help Kaikōura move forward as a town that prospers on the back of its tourism focus in a way that respects the environment. I am hoping my contribution to the land use policies of the District can be beneficial and meaningful to the highest number of residents and visitors. I am excited at the opportunity to talk to people who call Kaikōura home about their vision for the place.
What I can help you with: Council has a number of policies that determine desired land-use for our district (found on our website). I will be reviewing a number of these as they come out of date as well as creating reserve management plans as they become required for Council owned land. Assisting in the District Plan review is an upcoming major workflow we will be first to review the Natural Hazards chapter of the plan. I will be able to help residents to understand the technical reports that predict the likelihood of hazard events, as well as develop planning responses to these. My work involves researching how other Councils are dealing with similar issues that Kaikōura faces as we change as a District as well as ensuring we comply with the law and respond effectively to national direction’s.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 219
Who I am:
Why I'm here:
What I can help you with:
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 211
Email: Kate.Hunt@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am:
Why I'm here:
What I can help you with:
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 264
Rebuild Programme
The people coordinating the work to restore Council owned infrastructure and community facilities.
We have a small rebuild team consisting of the rebuild director, project manager and contract administrator. All contracts for these roles are fixed term until 2020. The Rebuild Director role is currently being filled by interim cover provided by the professional services consultants’ panel while someone with the right skill set is recruited for the next phase of the programme.
Who I am: I'm making the move back to the mainland having spent the past two years leading the Northland Transportation Alliance. Before that I headed up the infrastructure teams at both the Tasman District and Waitaki District Councils. I've also had experience of emergency events and recovery works in local government.
Why I'm here: It's an important time to be part of the team that's building a new resilient future for Kaikōura. My wife and I are really looking forward to becoming part of your community and living in your beautiful district. We'll be getting out to explore by foot, wheels and on the water. I'll also be closer to family around the South Island including my mother, my sister and two of my adult children.
What I can help you with: Any work that involves the infrastructure rebuild programme from the 2016 earthquake on local roads, bridges, wastewater, stormwater or the Council’s water supply.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext. 269
Who I am: Born and bred in France, I have been living and working in Canada, Australia and New Zealand since 2011. I am a NZ resident and have now put my luggage down. My past roles include Safety Engineer, Consultant in Strategic and Business Development, and Project Coordinator and Project Manager in the construction and industrial sectors.
Why I'm here: My objectives this year are to learn surfing, spearfishing, hunting, and start working towards a private pilot license.
What I can help you with: I help keep the Rebuild Programme Director and Asset Manager focused on delivering the rebuild programme. I know all 83 projects inside out and am the go to guy for all the details about whats happening when.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 571 7399 or 03 319 5026 ext. 217
Who I am:
Why I'm here:
What I can help you with:
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319-5026 ext. 215
Understanding Council
New Zealand’s regional, district, city or unitary councils are all part of New Zealand's local government. Local government manages issues that are specific to local communities including roads, drinking water, rubbish and recycling, natural hazards, libraries and events.
Read more about local government and Councils including: what powers they have, how they are formed, how they make decisions and how you can participate by reading the factsheet below.
