Hawke's Bay Regional Council to farewell CE after three years' service

Published: 1 July 2026

In a statement to staff earlier this week, Dr Peet said given the enormous period of change the local government sector was facing, it was appropriate that new leadership picked up the reins. “I am enormously proud of the HBRC team and all that we have been able to achieve, particularly during catastrophic storm events and the recovery which followed,” he said.

Dr Peet joined HBRC in July 2023, after 10 years at Horizons Regional Council. His previous experience included time as the Department of Conservation (DOC) Area Manager in Whanganui, and as a Research Associate in the United Kingdom for BirdLife International, a global partnership of non-governmental organizations that strives to conserve birds and their habitats. Dr Peet earned his PhD in Ecology from the University of East Anglia in the UK.

His last day in the role will be Thursday 9 July.

Chris Dolley, pictured, has been named as acting CE for HBRC, following the resignation of Dr Nic Peet.

Mr Dolley is HBRC’s Asset Management Group Manager, leading the group which looks after river, drainage and coastal engineering, capital project delivery, flood scheme operations and maintenance, water security, and the regional park network.

Council Chair Sophie Siers said Dr Peet had supported councillors and staff through a complex and demanding time, having joined at one of Council’s most challenging periods in recent history.

“Decisions like this are never easy, and I want to thank Nic for the commitment and care he has shown to this organisation. He has supported us as we’ve rebuilt trust, strengthened our foundations, and progressed important recommendations from the post-cyclone reviews.”

Chair Siers says HBRC’s focus will remain on continuity and supporting its people.

“Nic’s ongoing professionalism was, and is seen and appreciated. On behalf of the Council, I wish him all the very best for whatever lies ahead.”

Mr Dolley’s experience and knowledge of the organisation will provide clarity and leadership during the transition, she says.

The Chief Executive Employment and Review Committee is working quickly on more permanent arrangements for the future.

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