Wellington City Council Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wellington City Council has 4 executives leading key functions including operational infrastructure, administrative coordination, executive governance, and mayoral support.

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 of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of - Sehai Orgad
  • Chief Operating Officer - James Roberts
  • Chief of Staff (Acting) - Elizabeth Steel
  • Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington - Nadine Walker
  • 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 strategic direction for the executive office. Leading the coordination of high-priority initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of ensures that all departmental activities support the long-term goals of the council. This role involves managing the interface between the executive leadership and the broader organization to maintain alignment on key policy objectives. By fostering a culture of accountability, Sehai Orgad drives the execution of complex governance programs that impact the entire region. The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of oversees the integration of arts, culture, and public safety strategies into the core municipal agenda. Through rigorous oversight of executive functions, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of optimizes the impact of council resources. This leadership role remains vital for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of local government operations in Wellington.
    Sehai Orgad

    James Roberts - Chief Operating Officer

    James Roberts, the Chief Operating Officer at Wellington City Council, directs the delivery of essential public services and infrastructure maintenance. Overseeing the daily operational efficiency of municipal facilities, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that recreational centers and public safety resources meet community standards. This leadership role involves managing complex logistics for city-wide projects while coordinating with department heads to optimize resource allocation. By streamlining internal processes, James Roberts directly impacts the quality of life for residents throughout the Greater Wellington area. The Chief Operating Officer maintains rigorous oversight of environmental sustainability initiatives, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Through strategic planning and performance monitoring, the Chief Operating Officer drives operational excellence across all council-managed sectors. This focus on functional reliability supports the broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality services to the public, ultimately strengthening the foundation of local governance and community engagement within the city.

    Elizabeth Steel - Chief of Staff (Acting)

    Elizabeth Steel, the Chief of Staff (Acting) at Wellington City Council, manages administrative workflows and facilitates communication between internal departments. Coordinating high-level projects, the Chief of Staff (Acting) ensures that organizational objectives align with the strategic vision of the council. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various community support programs to provide actionable insights for leadership. By maintaining clear channels of information, Elizabeth Steel supports efficient decision-making processes across the entire municipal structure. The Chief of Staff (Acting) oversees the implementation of public consultation frameworks, ensuring that resident feedback informs governance decisions. Through meticulous management of administrative resources, the Chief of Staff (Acting) enhances the overall productivity of the council. This position requires constant collaboration with other executive leaders to address emerging challenges in public service delivery. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff (Acting) secures the operational continuity necessary for the council to serve the diverse needs of the Wellington community effectively.

    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 priorities of the mayoral office. Coordinating public engagement strategies, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington ensures that the vision of the mayor translates into actionable community programs. This role involves facilitating high-level meetings with stakeholders and representing the mayoral office in critical policy discussions. By aligning administrative efforts with public expectations, Nadine Walker supports the development of initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents. The Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington oversees the communication strategy for public notices and consultations, ensuring transparency in local governance. Through proactive management of the mayoral agenda, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington drives progress on key urban development projects. This position requires constant attention to the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that the council remains responsive and effective.

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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 Sehai Orgad (Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of), along with executives such as James Roberts (Chief Operating Officer) and Elizabeth Steel (Chief of Staff (Acting)).
    Who is part of Wellington City Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wellington City Council includes leaders such as Sehai Orgad (Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of), James Roberts (Chief Operating Officer), Elizabeth Steel (Chief of Staff (Acting)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Wellington City Council have?
    Wellington City Council has 4 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 of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff (Acting), Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington.