Wellington City Council Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wellington City Council has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative operations, mayoral support, interim management, and executive office coordination.

Committed to enhancing community well-being, Wellington City Council drives sustainable urban development and public safety initiatives. This organization prioritizes transparent governance and resident engagement to foster a vibrant, inclusive environment for all citizens 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. Overseeing the delivery of essential public services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between council policies and community needs. This leadership role involves managing complex budgetary frameworks and coordinating with regional stakeholders to advance environmental sustainability and public safety. By optimizing internal processes, Kevin Lavery drives organizational efficiency and service excellence across the Wellington area. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for local governance, ensuring that all municipal resources support long-term growth. Through proactive management of arts, culture, and infrastructure projects, the Chief Executive Officer secures the operational stability required for a thriving city. Lavery consistently evaluates performance metrics to refine service delivery models, ultimately strengthening the connection between the council and the diverse population residing within the municipality.

    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, directs the specialized operations and strategic planning within the executive office. Overseeing the intersection of administrative policy and executive decision-making, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of ensures that all council departments adhere to established governance standards. This role involves managing the complex logistics of public safety initiatives and environmental sustainability projects. By optimizing the executive office's output, Sehai Orgad drives the successful implementation of long-term community development goals. The Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of coordinates with external partners to expand the reach of arts and culture programs across the region. Orgad maintains a focus on operational precision, refining the mechanisms through which the council engages with the public. Through strategic leadership, the Chief of Staff & Chief Executive Officer, Office of strengthens the council's capacity to deliver high-quality services to the residents of Wellington.
    Sehai Orgad

    John McGrath - Chief of Staff

    John McGrath, the Chief of Staff at Wellington City Council, manages the internal administrative functions and facilitates communication across all municipal departments. Coordinating high-level projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational objectives remain consistent with the broader mission of community support and public safety. This role involves streamlining workflows between the executive leadership and various operational teams to enhance productivity. By fostering collaboration, John McGrath drives the implementation of strategic initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents. The Chief of Staff monitors the progress of key council programs, providing essential oversight to ensure timely execution of public notices and community consultations. McGrath maintains a focus on operational excellence, refining internal systems to support the diverse range of services provided by the council. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff strengthens the administrative foundation necessary for effective local governance and regional development.

    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, architects the strategic communication and policy alignment between the mayoral office and the broader council administration. Overseeing the execution of the mayoral agenda, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington ensures that public engagement initiatives effectively capture resident feedback. This role involves managing high-stakes interactions with community stakeholders and coordinating public safety advocacy efforts. By facilitating clear dialogue, Nadine Walker drives the integration of mayoral priorities into the council's operational framework. The Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington monitors regional policy shifts, providing critical analysis to support informed decision-making. Walker maintains a focus on enhancing the visibility of council services, ensuring that arts, culture, and sustainability programs receive necessary support. Through strategic coordination, the Chief of Staff To the Mayor of Wellington strengthens the relationship between local leadership and the community.

    Elizabeth Steel - Chief of Staff (Acting)

    Elizabeth Steel, the Chief of Staff (Acting) at Wellington City Council, provides temporary leadership and continuity for the executive office during critical transition periods. Overseeing the daily operations of the administrative team, the Chief of Staff (Acting) ensures that ongoing community support programs and permit processing services continue without disruption. This role involves managing urgent internal communications and maintaining the flow of information between departments. By stabilizing operational workflows, Elizabeth Steel drives the consistent delivery of municipal resources to the public. The Chief of Staff (Acting) supports the executive team in navigating complex regulatory requirements and public safety mandates. Steel focuses on maintaining organizational momentum, ensuring that all council initiatives remain on schedule despite leadership changes. Through diligent oversight and proactive problem-solving, the Chief of Staff (Acting) preserves the integrity of the council's governance functions, ultimately protecting the interests of the residents and ensuring the seamless operation of essential city services.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    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).