Thank you David for your huge contribution to our work

Published:
Wed 28 Jun 2023

We farewell David Ward, Chair of our Democracy and Participation Reference Group and Chief Executive of Selwyn District Council, at the end of June. David is retiring after many years in the local government sector and 15 years chairing our Reference Groups. His leadership has been greatly appreciated by Taituarā and the wider sector.

David has fostered relationships in the sector through his mentoring of chief executives, leading our chief executives’ induction training, and chairing our Governance Professional’s Forums.

David has played an important part in rallying the sector to work together and exhorting councils to share information with each other because they are not in competition.

As he leaves the sector, we want to convey our sincere thanks for the impact he has had on our organisation and its mission over the past 15 years.

More news

View all news
ICMA 2025: Bringing back global perspectives to Aotearoa 
Wed 12 Nov 2025

ICMA 2025: Bringing back global perspectives to Aotearoa 

We hear from four Taituarā representatives on their biggest takeaways from the supersized local government conference in Florida.

Taituarā member profile: Sophia Sykes
Thu 25 Jun 2026

Taituarā member profile: Sophia Sykes

What began as a practical career move has become something more meaningful for Sophia – “I get to contribute to community good and do meaningful work with absolute legends.”

Taituarā submission on the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill 
Mon 5 Jan 2026

Taituarā submission on the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill 

The submission from Taituarā supports the general direction of the Bill while highlighting key impacts for councils, communities, and the future of transport funding.