The Hutt Valley Services Committee meeting will be held in Upper Hutt Council Chambers on Friday 1 May from 9.30am. The meeting is open to the public and livestreamed on our YouTube channel. For more information follow the link below.
Our annual Short Story Competition is back again – it's time to make Upper Hutt's writing talent shine. Slice of life, fanfiction, vignette, a classic fable. Don't forget, entries must be received by 5pm on Sunday 10 May 2026.
Published on 28 April 2026
Upper Hutt City Council’s Chief Executive, Geoff Swainson, has announced he will not seek an extension to his current three-year contract term.
Swainson joined Council in July 2017 as the Director of Asset Management and Operations, leading Council’s infrastructure activities and services, before being appointed Chief Executive in November 2023.
Prior to this he held roles at Local Government New Zealand and other local authorities including Wellington City, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay and in his hometown of Wairoa.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Upper Hutt City Council and want to acknowledge the work of all Council staff and to thank them for their commitment to serving the community in so many ways," he said.
Mayor Peri Zee acknowledged Swainson’s time, efforts and leadership at Council.
“On behalf of Council, the community and staff I’d like to thank Geoff for his contribution to Upper Hutt over the past nine years and to the local government sector over his lifetime. I wish him all the best.”
In March, Swainson wrote to elected members to confirm he will not be seeking re-appointment.
His last day will be 1 May 2026. Council has begun the process of recruitment for a new Chief Executive.