Wellington City Council Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wellington City Council has 5 executives leading key functions including executive strategy, administrative operations, mayoral coordination, and organizational governance.

Committed to enhancing community well-being, Wellington City Council delivers essential public services, fosters environmental sustainability, and ensures transparent local governance for all residents across the region.

Leadership Roles at Wellington City Council

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kevin Lavery
  • Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of - Sehai Orgad
  • Chief of Staff - John McGrath
  • Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington - Nadine Walker
  • Chief of Staff (Acting) - Elizabeth Steel
  • Kevin Lavery - Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin Lavery, the Chief Executive Officer at Wellington City Council, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational performance of the organization. Managing the delivery of public services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between council initiatives and community needs. Kevin Lavery oversees the implementation of environmental sustainability programs and public safety protocols across the region. By coordinating with department heads, the Chief Executive Officer maintains fiscal responsibility while driving improvements in arts, culture, and recreational facilities. This leadership role involves constant engagement with residents to refine local governance processes. Through rigorous oversight of municipal resources, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes service delivery models. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on long-term urban development, ensuring that Wellington remains a vibrant, safe, and sustainable environment for all citizens. Strategic planning remains the primary objective for the Chief Executive Officer.

    Sehai Orgad - Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of

    Sehai Orgad, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of at Wellington City Council, architects the administrative framework supporting the executive office. Managing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of ensures that strategic priorities receive consistent focus from the leadership team. Sehai Orgad facilitates complex inter-departmental initiatives, particularly those involving arts, culture, and community engagement. By optimizing the flow of information to the executive office, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of enables rapid decision-making on critical public safety and environmental issues. This role involves managing stakeholder relationships and ensuring that council initiatives align with the broader goals of the organization. Through careful coordination of executive resources, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of drives organizational agility. Strategic alignment remains the core focus for the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of.
    Sehai Orgad

    John McGrath - Chief of Staff

    John McGrath, the Chief of Staff at Wellington City Council, manages internal operations and facilitates communication across all municipal departments. Coordinating administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational objectives receive proper attention from relevant teams. John McGrath monitors the execution of community support programs, ensuring that service delivery meets established quality standards. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of permit and license issuance for local businesses. This role requires close collaboration with the executive leadership to translate policy decisions into actionable tasks. The Chief of Staff maintains oversight of public notice distribution, ensuring that residents remain informed about governance activities. Through meticulous management of daily operations, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of the council. Operational excellence defines the daily contributions of the Chief of Staff.

    Nadine Walker - Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington

    Nadine Walker, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington at Wellington City Council, manages the political and administrative agenda for the mayoral office. Coordinating public consultations, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington ensures that resident feedback directly informs local governance and policy development. Nadine Walker oversees the preparation of briefings and public notices, maintaining clear communication between the mayor and the community. By facilitating engagement with local business leaders and community groups, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington supports the implementation of initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Wellington. This role requires balancing diverse public interests while maintaining focus on the council's long-term sustainability goals. Through strategic management of the mayoral schedule and priorities, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington ensures effective representation. Political coordination remains the primary responsibility for the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington.

    Elizabeth Steel - Chief of Staff (Acting)

    Elizabeth Steel, the Chief of Staff (Acting) at Wellington City Council, provides temporary leadership over administrative functions and organizational support systems. Overseeing the transition of key projects, the Chief of Staff (Acting) ensures continuity in the delivery of community services and recreational programs. Elizabeth Steel manages the coordination of internal resources, ensuring that departments remain focused on core council objectives during periods of change. By monitoring the progress of ongoing environmental and public safety initiatives, the Chief of Staff (Acting) maintains operational stability across the organization. This role involves supporting the executive team in executing policy directives and managing public inquiries. Through diligent oversight of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff (Acting) facilitates the smooth functioning of municipal operations. Maintaining organizational momentum remains the central focus for the Chief of Staff (Acting) while navigating the complexities of local government service delivery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wellington City Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Wellington City Council?
    Wellington City Council is led by Kevin Lavery (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sehai Orgad (Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of) and John McGrath (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Wellington City Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wellington City Council includes leaders such as Kevin Lavery (Chief Executive Officer), Sehai Orgad (Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of), John McGrath (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Wellington City Council have?
    Wellington City Council has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Wellington City Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Wellington City Council includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of, Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington, Chief of Staff (Acting).