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Newly-appointed Ashburton District Council chief executive Hamish Riach spent 17 years with the Crusaders, which included winning last season’s Super Rugby title. PHOTO PHOTOSPORT
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Swapping rugby for council job BY SUE NEWMAN
SUE.N@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ
Crusaders boss Hamish Riach will take over Ashburton’s top job as the Ashburton District Council’s chief executive. Councillors opted for a change of leadership, declining to reappoint incumbent Andrew Dalziel to the job. He is now on leave, but Riach will not take over until September. The position was advertised as Dalziel came close to the completion of his fiveyear contract. This could have been rolled over for another two years, but a decision was made to go to the market. Dalziel applied but was told last week
he was not the preferred candidate. Riach was confirmed yesterday as the new chief. Riach said he was honoured to be taking on the role and making a return to local government. “I am feeling motivated by this new challenge and my wife Jane and I are looking forward to moving into the district. It’s still within the Crusaders region so at least there is no issue with me continuing to cheer on this team,” he said. While he has spent the past 17 years with the Crusaders franchise, Riach had previously notched up 18 years of local body experience. His last position in the sector was a
two-year tenure of the chief executive’s position at the Selwyn District Council. After 17 years Riach said he was ready for change. “There always comes a time when you sense it’s right to move aside and let someone else take over. “After 17 years away I’ll be coming in with quite a different view of local government. I’ve always enjoyed the breadth and range of issues that come across your desk.”
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