Queenstown Lakes District Mayor John Glover used those numbers to show the breadth of service of retiring chief executive Mike Theelen at his final council meeting. Deputy mayor Quentin Smith said councillors did not always fully appreciate the work it took for a chief executive to translate their ideas and directions into practice. Cr Cody Tucker told Mr Theelen he admired the "intestinal fortitude" he showed while doing his job. Former three-term councillor Craig Ferguson, who appeared at the meeting’s public forum, said he spoke for many former councillors in thanking Mr Theelen for the "knowledge and guidance" he had given them. The council’s strategy and policy general manager, Michelle Morss, has been appointed interim chief executive while a permanent replacement is recruited.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 08, 2026 15:47 UTC