LGNZ appoints new CE

LGNZ is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Necklen as its new Chief Executive, following a comprehensive recruitment process.

LGNZ President Rehette Stoltz says, “Scott’s proven experience plus his vision and collaborative leadership style will guide LGNZ through its next chapter.”

Scott has been Interim Chief Executive since September 2025 and has spent 13 years at LGNZ.

“Scott has played a critical role in LGNZ’s reset over the past six months since the new National Council was elected and Dan Gorden and myself took up the Vice President and President roles respectively. He has demonstrated he’s the right person to reposition LGNZ, including putting members at the centre,” Rehette says.

National Council was pleased at the strong interest in this role, which is critical for local government’s influence. “Scott was the clear top candidate in a competitive recruitment process managed by external recruiter Brannigans.”

Scott says with local government facing significant change, LGNZ has a critical role to play. “LGNZ must support members to navigate reform. We must also deliver for members by working constructively with the government.

“I am very focused on membership value and ensuring LGNZ wields influence in the long-term interests of local democracy.”