New Chief Executive Appointed for Queenstown Lakes District Council

James Stevenson-Wallace has been appointed Chief Executive of the Queenstown Lakes District Council and will take up the role on 5 October 2026. The full Council confirmed the appointment on 23 July 2026. Stevenson-Wallace will move from Wellington with his partner to lead the organisation. He previously served as Chief Executive of Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research and as Chief Executive of the Electricity Authority (Te Mana Hiko). Mayor Glover acknowledged Michelle Morss for her service as Interim Chief Executive since February 2026.