Our Team
Under the Long Term Plan 2021 - 2031 Council adopted the vision of 'Helping Kaikōura move forward.' All of our work over 2021 - 2031 contributes to one or more of these community outcomes.
- Community - We communicate, engage with and inform our community
- Development - We promote and support the development of our economy
- Services - Our services and infrastructure are cost effective, efficient and fit-for-purpose
- Environment - We value and protect our environment
- Future - We work with our community and our partners to create a better place for future generations
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.

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: Will.Doughty@kaikoura.govt.nz
Phone: 027 262 2224
Email: dave.clibbery@kaikoura.govt.nz
Phone: (03) 319 5026 ext 284 or 027 467 7579
Email: murray.dickson@kaikoura.govt.nz
Phone: 027 571 3525
Email: debbie.crawford@kaikoura.govt.nz
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
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.
Phone: 027 288 8677
Email: mike.russell@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
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: 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
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.
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.