Upper Hutt City Council appoints new Chief Executive
Published on 10 August 2026
Upper Hutt City Council has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive.
Councillors last week confirmed the appointment of Kate Thomson, currently Acting Chief Executive and council’s Group Manager Corporate Services since 2021. She will take up the new role on 31 August.
Mayor of Upper Hutt, Peri Zee said Council was excited to appoint Kate, who has successfully led the organisation since May and brings a strong understanding of the organisation, city and wider local government sector.
Mayor Zee says Council undertook a thorough recruitment process that attracted a strong field of high-quality candidates.
"Kate has more than 20 years' experience in senior leadership and governance roles across government and commercial sectors in New Zealand and Australia,” she says.
“As Chief Executive, she brings a strong strategic and financial background and a genuine commitment to Upper Hutt. She has also earned the confidence of elected members and staff through her leadership, innovative thinking and commitment to Council’s values.”
Mayor Zee says Kate Thomson’s appointment provides continuity to the organisation at a time that Upper Hutt navigates local government reform, and the city responds to the opportunities and challenges of the current economic and political environment.
Kate Thomson said she was honoured to be appointed to the role.
“I appreciate the trust the elected members have demonstrated in me,” she says. “I care deeply about the Upper Hutt community and look forward to continuing to work alongside the Mayor and Councillors to deliver positive outcomes for Upper Hutt.”
Editor’s note:
Ms Thomson is a non-executive director of PHF Science
In 2025 she was appointed a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Contact
For more information on this news release, please email media@uhcc.govt.nz