Our Team
Council's structure
Council currently has approximately 44 full time equivalent staff (FTEs), filling 53 different roles.
Of these, 13 roles (just over 9 FTE's) are funded through grants or external funders like NZTA.
Our staff are made up of locals and imports and people from all sorts of backgrounds, working together to help our little District grow.
Our longest serving staff member has been here for more than 25 years, our newest started in June 2018.
We may be little, but we've got a can-do attitude and we do our best to help residents and visitors. We look forward to working with you!
Download a diagram showing how everyone fits together
CEO and Support
The CEO, Executive Officer and Communications and Engagement Officer. Together, they connect a lot of the nuts and bolts of what goes on at Council.
Who I am: Before joining KDC Angela was the Manager: Corporate Services at the Buller District Council. She has over 7 years experience in local government in NZ preparing and engaging with the community. Angela also holds a Masters in Business Leadership and a Bachelor of Commerce combined with both public and private sector experience.
Angela is originally from South Africa and is married with one daughter.
Why I'm here: Angela joined the Kaikoura District Council on 1st February 2016. She moved to Kaikoura 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
What I can help you with: Help contacting the CEO or Mayor, information about Council and Committee meetings, decisions and minutes, health and safety, HR and payroll questions.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 204
Who I am: Libby moved to Kaikoura in April 2017. She joined KDC on secondment from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
Why I'm here: Libby had wanted to move to Kaikoura since visiting in 2014 and jumped at the chance to join the team at Council. With a background in social marketing and crisis communication, Libby is 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
Who I am: I moved to Kaikōura February 2018 after studying at Lincoln University and spending time travelling in various capacities over the years.
Why I'm here: I have some whānau ties to the town and surrounding areas so have always had a love for the district. I have come to Council in my first role since graduating and am looking forward to becoming part of the Kaikōura community.
What I can help you with: My role has a focus on community and recovery. So you can contact me with any questions/comments/feedback you may have around these topics. I am Libby's right hand man so will be helping with the day to day running of social media and the website plus anything in-between.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 571 3525
Email: kim.whitwell@kaikoura.govt.nz
LinkedIn: Kim Whitwell
Community Services and Recovery
Connecting and supporting our community through our social recovery team, youth coordination, event coordination, our Library, Council front desk team and our Emergency Management Officer.
Who I am: I moved to Kaikoura with Stephen and my family of 3 boys to occupy 35 acres of paradise north of Kaikoura in 2004. I worked at the Council from 2007 to 2014.
Why I'm here: I was brought back to support the social recovery effort 3 weeks after the earthquake. I am currently the interim Community Services Manager, but even though I really enjoy supporting the team and the community my focus is morphing social recovery into business as usual.
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: I am a goat-milking, bee-keeping, seaweed eating, mushroom finding, food foraging, fence mending, picture thinking, tree-hut building, old ute driving, son raising, long-board riding, skateboard making, moon worshipping, book writing, straight talking, itty-bitty farm owning, lass from Greta Valley.
Why I'm here: Kaikōura is how I want the Hurunui to be. I took this job because I thought I could help but also because I wanted to learn from Kaikōura and make my district better – sorry self-motivated I know, but I am, at very least, honest.
What I can help you with: Aiding residents get their full insurance entitlement by offering free asbestos testing, reducing repair bills by offering free hazardous material pick up and advice on how to reduce their deconstruction costs.
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 576 1792
Email: natalie.absalom@kaikoura.govt.nz
Facebook: Va Va Voom Shrooms
YouTube: Waste-Not Nat
Who I am: Reader, gardener, and brewery magnate. I came to Kaikoura 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 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: Wedding & Event Management business, Seafest Convenor, Club Administrator for Kaikoura Rugby
Why I'm here: Initially part of the Earthquake Recovery Team as Event Co-ordinator. I’m still spreading the ‘warm fuzzies’ but am now looking at events that will benefit Kaikoura District. This will include attracting conferences.
What I can help you with: I can offer as much support as I possibly can with event information and contacts.
How to contact me:
Phone: 0273 221153
Email: sheena@kaikoura.govt.nz or sheena@orchestrateevents.co.nz
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 Kahungunu kei Wairoa. Ko taku 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 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
Email: arlene@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I moved to Kaikoura in March 2017. I joined KDC Recovery team after working in the Canterbury recovery for over 7years.
Why I'm here: I moved for a change of lifestyle, the weather and to enjoy the beautiful Kaikoura region as well as the chance to make a difference and help focus on community wellbeing
What I can help you with: Collating data in order to build a full story of the community impact directly from the earthquake and to present a dashboard report to Council to identify trends developing for action
How to contact me:
Phone: 0275648252
Email: lara.jacobs@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I moved to Kaikoura in 2006 to be closer to my children who have now grown up and left the district, but I love it here and I have been working for the Council for the last 5 years.
Why I'm here: I’m here to make sure the people in our community receive the required outcome for their visit. I am also here to support the Team at the Council to deliver the desired outcome for those in the community. My goal each day is to hopefully make those who come in, leave with a smile J
What I can help you with: I can receipt any payments you wish to make, I can assist you with applications, registering your dog, direct you to the right department, book the Memorial Hall and much, much more.
How to contact me:
Phone: 319 5026 Ext 200
Who I am: I moved to Kaikoura in 2004 from Christmas Island, WA. Now married to Shaun and have
two wonderful children Reggie and Naiyah and pet dog Stella. I love spending time with the family, baking and eating out.
Why I'm here: My previous employment was damaged from the earthquake, and I thought it was time to for a change as I’ve been in hospitality all my working life. Since joining the team at KDC I’ve learnt so much about the town that we live in, our community and have been well informed with projects and rebuilds that are happening in Kaikoura.
What I can help you with: My role in council is to provide professional, friendly service to our customers, the community. I can help with lodgements of applications, dog registrations, answer general inquiries, and If I’m unable to help I will direct you to the person with the right knowledge.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 201
Who I am: Kaikoura born Boyd Descendant. Wife of local electrician, mother of 3 adult children and grandmother to 1 adorable granddaughter
Why I'm here: A “familiar friendly face” with local knowledge to help you with your enquiries and to assist the Management Team of Council.
What I can help you with: Assist with your applications, register your dog, receipt your rates/water payments and direct you to the appropriate department for further assistance
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 200
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 Kaikoura St John’s 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 Kaikoura community has a fabulous library which can be enjoyed by all ages and stages of life. Our 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 you 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 cataloguing 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 Kaikoura for over 40yrs now. I am a big sister to two sisters, mother too 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 quite or busy life in Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura 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 here on Library Level 1.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 6280
Who I am: I’ve lived in Kaikoura for 4 years and have a previous background in Healthcare. I’m married to Jon, a local fishery officer and have two adult children – Taylah, 19 yrs and Mac, 18 yrs.
Why I'm here: We moved our family here in 2013 as my husband changed roles from NZ Police to Ministry for Primary Industries. I was working as the Rates Officer for KDC but decided a change was needed following the earthquake and was lucky to secure a part time role with the Library.
What I can help you with: I work Monday and Tuesdays as a library assistant which involves general library duties – issues and returns, assisting the public and creating regular library displays.
Wednesdays is my planning day, coordinating the Stepping Up computer training modules (which I tutor) and the Next Chapter Dementia Club sessions.
I look after the library Facebook page. I’m also responsible for planning any library based events (for e.g. Treasure Hunts, Family History Discovery Day and Teddy Bear Picnics). I get lots of help and great ideas from the other library staff so can’t take all the credit!
Thursday evenings I work from 4-7pm for our late nights (daylight savings only) and cover any annual or sick leave for the library team.
How to contact me: Find me in the library on the above days or
Phone: 03 319 6280
Email: books@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: I joined Council in October 2017. Outside of work I am keen on motorsport, soccer and the getting into the outdoors.
Why I'm here: I have over 30 years of experience in local body engineering gained from various appointments over the years from the Far North to the Deep South.
I took on the role as I wanted to put this experience to good use in a practical sense to assist the Kaikoura community in the management of its infrastructure and community assets.
What I can help you with: Anything that involves the day to day operation, maintenance and management of: Roading and footpath networks, Water supply, Wastewater systems, Stormwater networks, Recycling and waste management, Parks and reserves, Community facilities
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 207
Who I am: I am the Operations and Contracts Supervisor at KDC. I have worked in Local Government since 2008, in different Councils on the North Island in the Infrastructure Department. I arrived in Kaikoura in April 2016. I am originally from Montreal, Quebec.
Why I'm here: I am here to try and make a difference, make people I serve and work with happy. I can’t help but thinking every day that I have landed in Paradise when I arrived in Kaikoura!
I try to play golf on a regular basis, but didn’t achieve that since the Earthquake. The way I am playing, I was advised not to quit my day job!!!
What I can help you with: If I had any doubts about why I came to Kaikoura, I had a serious wakeup call on November 14 2016. It is the greatest challenge of my career. But the resilience, the generosity, the positivism and the general attitude of the people here are carrying me on and make that journey an amazing one. I am surrounded by amazing local Contractors who are helping me to try and improve Kaikoura at the lowest possible cost. If I can be helpful, please give me a ring and we will do all we can!
How to contact me:
Phone: 027 406 4727
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 Kaikoura to assist in the rebuild and recovery of this fine community.
Why I'm here: I am here to enjoy the fishing that Kaikoura 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: Joy moved to Kaikoura permanently with her husband and 4 children in 1991 and joined the Council team in 1994.
Why I'm here: Drawn by extended family and the love of the outdoors - "what better place is there!".
What I can help you with: Joy's main roles at the Council are Liquor Licensing, Land Information Memorandums, Cemetery Clerk, Pensioner Flat Contact, Marriage Registrar and Ceremonies Officer and helping out were needed with customer support.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 213
Email: joy.koops@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: Mum to 3 grown up children and two amazing grandchildren, all who live overseas. I have very fond memories of Kaikoura 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 service 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
Email: janet.mcrobie@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: I was born in Kaikoura and have lived here most of my life. I joined the council team in February 2018.
Why I'm here: I enjoy everything Kaikoura has to offer (best place on earth).
What I can help you with: Any regulatory enforcement matters that may arise.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 3195026
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 Kaikoura 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: Richard Clifton
Why I'm here: To assist the building consent authority department in delivering service for Kaikoura District Council.
What I can help you with: All matters relating to building control
How to contact me: By appointment through customer services at the front counter of the Kaikoura District Council building or:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 229
Who I am: I reside in South Bay with my family, apart from my daughter who lives in Melbourne. I really enjoy the walking tracks, the bike tracks and the amazing scenery that Kaikoura has to offer.
Why I'm here: Originally from Christchurch, I moved to Kaikoura in 2014, having holidayed here as a child, Kaikoura has always been a place I wanted to live in.
What I can help you with: I work in the building department as an administrator. I am involved in all the day to day functions of building control including building consents, code compliance certificates and general enquiries.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 Ext 202
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 bring financial leadership and commercial expertise with senior roles in the government and not-for-profit sectors. Most recently I have been working in the Canterbury Earthquake horizontal Infrastructure Rebuild and Recovery. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce (accountancy) and will be managing the Finance team and Economic Development.
Why I'm here: I have a passion for people, innovation and excellence and I am excited by the opportunity to share my skills and knowledge in support of the Kaikoura recovery and ensuring the financial health of the Council. I joined the Council in July 2017.
What I can help you with: Strategic Financial management, Commercial opportunities and business support activities.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 265
Email: paul.numan@kaikoura.govt.nz
Who I am: Originally from the UK, I had an extensive career in administration in both public and private sectors. We moved to Kaikoura in 2011, owning and operating a luxury lodge to the north of town. We chose Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura 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
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 Kaikoura since 1996.
Why I'm here: Kaikoura 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 extn 203
Who I am: I am a Chartered Certified Accountant.
I moved to and started working in Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura Enhancement Trust.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 232
Who I am: I have lived in Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura.
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 Kaikoura Health Facility Community Trust.
What I can help you with: I can help you with lease enquiries and accounts receivable.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 264
Email: wendy@kaikoura.govt.nz
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.
Who I am: I’m a member of our local community and have volunteered my time for Coastguard, the Kaikōura Water
Zone Committee and Land Search and Rescue.
I have a passion for the outdoors and natural environment which resulted in a Bachelor of Resource Studies from
Lincoln University. I was first employed by the Buller District Council. I am a full member of the New Zealand Planning Institute.
Why I'm here: I believe I can make positive difference in our local community and help our ratepayers.
I have been involved in a number of interesting projects such as consenting for 200+ lot subdivisions, plan changes,
coastal consents, environment court evidence, walking and cycling strategies and successful external funding applications.
A number of these projects will assist in setting the long term direction for our community.
What I can help you with: Ensuring Kaikōura has a long term future which we can all celebrate. This includes working
to resolve natural hazard issues within the district, ensuring planned developments benefit our town.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 209
Who I am: I am originally from Sri Lanka and have been living in New Zealand for 6 years now. I am a passionate Resource and environmental Planner and I have completed my masters’ degree in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University. I joined the Planning team at Kaikoura District Council on the 1st of February 2018.
Why I'm here: Kaikoura ticks every box for a nature lover and someone who wants to work closely with the community. My goal is to play an influential role for a sustainable future of this beautiful community.
What I can help you with: Resource Consents, Subdivision consents, Land Use consents, District Plan Inquiries.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 264
Who I am: I moved to Kaikoura in October 2017. I have a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity and Environmental Studies and a Masters in Conservation Biology.
Why I'm here: Having grown up visiting Kaikoura, I jumped at the chance to be able to work down here. To be able to work at a small council provides more variety and responsibility and the opportunity to make a difference to the districts’ biodiversity.
What I can help you with: Planning inquiries and anything biodiversity, significant natural areas or conservation related.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319 5026 ext 211
Email: Kate.Hunt@kaikoura.govt.nz
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 moved to Kaikoura in May 2017 on a fixed term contract to lead the rebuild of Council owned infrastructure and facilities.
I have a young family who are loving being in this very special part of the world. They intend making the most of all the opportunities it has to offer. I enjoy playing tennis, tramping and the ocean. I have also been known to run the odd half marathon but need to get the runner back out and spend less time at the desk.
Why I'm here: I moved to Kaikoura to play my part in the rebuild of the town and community and to help apply some previous learnings and experience to put us in a good place going forward. Kaikoura also offers a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to have new experiences and an adventure.
What I can help you with: I am responsible for the rebuild and repairs of Council owned infrastructure and community facilities that were damaged by the earthquake. This includes roads and bridges, water, sewer and stormwater and Council owned buildings and facilities. If you have specific queries on any projects within the rebuild programme Will is your man.
I work closely with the Asset Manager and engineering team who look after the day to day management of infrastructure and facilities.
How to contact me:
Phone: 021 1132882
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: Tēnā koutou, ko Maryanne Madden ahau, ko Maungakiekie te maunga, ko Waitematā te moana, ko Ngāti Whātua Orākei te hapū, ko Orākei te marae. I am also of Ngati Porou descent. My small whānau moved from Orākei, Auckland to North Canterbury in August 2016 to take up a business. After the earthquake closed us down, we moved to Kaikōura with the shirts on our backs, our two cats and a container full of our possessions. Having lived in Kaikōura for a year, working at the NCTIR village, I am now at Council and we have decided this is the place for us. My husband Sean, my son Eruera and our cats look forward to a new future in Kaikōura.
Why I'm here: We opted out of Auckland in pursuit of happiness and adventure. I spent 8 years in hapū development, finance, building communities and running a sports clubs and the previous years in accounting and finance, travel and hospitality. I am hopeful these experiences will help me provide something positive for Kaikōura.
What I can help you with: Anything to do with the administrative side of the Rebuild - I provide administrative support to the Rebuild Project Manager and Director.
How to contact me:
Phone: 03 319-5026 Ext 215
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