Debbie Lascelles. Photo: Gore District Council / supplied
Gore District Council has a new chief executive, after a fraught period in which the mayor and CEO had to enter mediation in a bid to mend their fractured relationship.
She is Debbie Lascelles, currently executive manager strategy and transformation at South Waikato District Council.
In September last year, Gore chief executive Stephen Parry resigned after 22 years in the role, but then stepped in as interim chief executive after the deputy CEO also resigned.
In March 2023 it was revealed that he and Mayor Ben Bell had not spoken in months. They then entered into mediation, but that quickly fell apart.
In May that year, a group of councillors called on the 24-year-old mayor to resign, and then in June a ratepayer started a petition calling for Parry to resign in response.
Gore Mayor Ben Bell. Photo: Supplied / Facebook
On Tuesday, the council announced Debbie Lascelles was Parry's replacement.
Lascelles said she had no concerns about the previous issues at the council.
"We do see these issues in local politics. The organisation has a really good reputation. Certainly my experience during the interview process was that I was treated with considerable hospitality and respect.
" met the executive team, met the mayor, met all the councillors. I have absolutely no concerns."
Lascelles said Gore District Council was a good-sized organisation for her.
"Gore has absolutely fantastic community facilities, which is a real bonus for working in a small community, so that really appealed too."
Lascelles said she would be moving to Gore, and would assume the role in June.