Annika Lane returns to Council as GM Strategy and Community
Annika Lane will join Council’s Executive Leadership Team as General Manager Strategy and Community from 23 March 2026.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Annika Lane as its new General Manager Strategy and Community.
Annika returns to Western Bay after previously holding the role of General Manager Policy and Planning from 2006 to 2010. Since then, she has worked with organisations including Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Auckland City Council, Waikato Regional Council, and the Cook Islands National Environment Service.
A Western Bay local based in Tanners Point, Annika brings both a strong local connection and a broad perspective shaped by her work across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, including leadership roles focused on legislative reform, governance, and long‑term systems change.
She will join Council’s Executive Leadership Team from 23 March 2026.
Council’s Acting Chief Executive Miriam Taris says Annika’s appointment is a strong fit for the organisation’s strategic direction and its commitment to community‑focused outcomes.
“Annika brings deep expertise, strong leadership capability, and a genuine commitment to community‑centred outcomes. We are very fortunate to have someone of her calibre joining our Executive Leadership Team, and I know she will make a valuable contribution to Western Bay and to the work we do for our communities,” says Miriam.
As General Manager Strategy and Community, Annika will take responsibility for a broad and critical portfolio, including spatial planning, legislative and policy reform, and strategic programmes that support sustainable growth and strong community outcomes across the Western Bay - helping shape how towns and rural communities grow over time, supporting Council through significant legislative change, and ensuring long‑term planning reflects the needs and aspirations of local communities.
Annika says it’s an exciting time to be working in local government, particularly with a Council that has a strong reputation for caring for and supporting its communities.
“I’m looking forward to working with our talented staff and committed elected members to continue delivering high-quality services across the Western Bay of Plenty District.
“What really attracted me to this role is the Council’s strong focus on community development and its collaborative way of working with people and partners.”
