Western Bay of Plenty District Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Potton as its new Chief Executive.
Currently Council’s General Manager – Corporate Services, Matt has held several senior leadership roles within the organisation over a number of years.
He previously served as Finance Manager for Council for five years, from 2009, before stepping into the Chief Financial Officer role from 2014 to 2017. Following this, he spent eight years as Chief Financial Officer at Form Building and Developments before returning to Council in his current executive leadership position in 2025.
“Matt brings extensive experience in local government leadership, finance and organisational management,” says Western Bay Mayor James Denyer.
“He has a deep understanding of our Council, our communities, and the financial and operational challenges we face. His leadership experience and proven track record make him well placed to guide the organisation forward.”
Matt will step into the new role on Monday 11 May, replacing Miriam Taris, who has held the position of Interim Chief Executive since March last year following the resignation of former Chief Executive John Holyoake.
This will make him the fourth chief executive to be appointed to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council since it was formed in 1989.
Matt says his focus will be on “doing the basics well”, to deliver consistent, reliable services that people can trust.
“Providing value for money is more important than ever. We have a responsibility to be efficient with ratepayer money, recognising the real cost-of-living pressures many are facing, while also delivering the infrastructure and services our communities rely on,” he says.
“We’re operating in a period of significant change across local government. Steady and stable leadership within the organisation is essential at this time.
“My role is to support the Mayor and elected members with clear, honest advice so they can make decisions in the best interests of the community, particularly when those decisions are difficult or long-term in nature.”
Born and raised in Gibraltar, Matt moved to New Zealand in 1988 and is proud to call the Bay of Plenty home.
Outside of work he enjoys an active lifestyle, spending his spare time exercising, working on classic cars and travelling.
“I grew up in a place where the sea was part of everyday life, and it’s the same here. That connection to the coast, the climate and the outdoors is something I really value. It’s been a great place to raise our two children,” he says.
Married to Kylie, who is from Katikati, and with family in Waihī Beach, he is passionate about the Western Bay and making sure it continues to reflect the values and needs of its people.
“It’s important to me that we look after what we’ve got here, while also planning well for the future of our communities.”
