Waikato District Council chief executive Craig Hobbs resigns
Tuesday 6 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Auckland Council, Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council, South Waikato District Council, Waikato Herald
Craig Hobbs has resigned as Waikato District Council chief executive after 18 months in the position. His departure occurs ahead of a staff meeting regarding a restructure he led, which has already resulted in at least 10% of the workforce leaving. Hobbs is expected to step down at the end of the month.
Key facts
5 facts
- Craig Hobbs resigned as Waikato District Council CEO after 18 months
- The resignation follows a review of the council's organisational structure
- The council achieved an operating surplus of over $26 million under Hobbs
- More than 50 staff members have already left the council this year
- Hobbs took over from Gavin Ion in February last year
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Waikato District Council chief executive Craig Hobbs has resigned after 18 months in the position. The resignation follows the conclusion of a review into the council's organisational structure. Hobbs is expected to step down at the end of the month.
The departure occurs as the council prepares for an all-staff meeting to discuss a restructure led by Hobbs. This restructure has already resulted in at least 50 staff members leaving the organisation. Mayor Aksel Bech noted that while the restructure is ongoing, the majority of change has already occurred.
During his tenure, Hobbs oversaw the separation of water services into a council-controlled organisation called IAWAI. The council stated that under his leadership, rates remained below 4% and an operating surplus of more than $26 million was achieved. Hobbs said he “couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together”.
Hobbs was appointed in December 2024 and began the role in February last year, succeeding Gavin Ion. Deputy Mayor Eugene Patterson confirmed the resignation was Hobbs' decision and that elected members have accepted it. The council now plans to appoint an interim chief executive.
How it developed
- Tue 6 Oct, 12:37pmThe second report reveals the resignation coincides with a staff restructure and follows an emergency council meeting held on Friday.
Where reports differ
- One report states Hobbs was appointed in December 2024, while the other notes he started in February last year.
Compiled from reports by Waikato Times and NZ Herald.