The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has appointed from within for its new chief executive.

General manager of corporate services Matt Potton has been promoted to the role.

He will take over from Miriam Taris, the former council chief executive who returned to the role on an interim basis in March 2025 after John Holyoake resigned.

Holyoake went on to run unsuccessfully for mayor in October’s election.

In a media release today, Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said Potton brought extensive experience in local government leadership, finance and organisational management.

“He has a deep understanding of our council, our communities and the financial and operational challenges we face.

“His leadership experience and proven track record make him well placed to guide the organisation forward,” Denyer said.

Potton previously served as the council’s finance manager and chief financial officer.

He spent eight years as chief financial officer at Form Building and Developments before returning to the council last year.

He is the fourth chief executive appointed to the council since it formed in 1989.

Potton said his focus was on doing the basics well.

“Providing value for money is more important than ever,” he said.

“We have a responsibility to be efficient with ratepayer money, recognising the real cost-of-living pressures many are facing, while also delivering the infrastructure and services our communities rely on.”

He said “steady and stable leadership” was essential during this period of significant change for local government.

Potton said his role was to support the mayor and elected members with “clear, honest advice” for their decisions.

“It’s important to me that we look after what we’ve got here, while also planning well for the future of our communities.”

Born and raised in Gibraltar, Potton moved to New Zealand in 1988.

His wife, Kylie, is from Katikati and he has family in Waihī Beach.

Potton said the Western Bay had been a great place to raise their two children and he valued the climate, outdoors and connection to the coast.

His hobbies included exercising, working on classic cars and travelling.

Potton starts his new role on May 11.

The announcement of his appointment followed a closed meeting of the council’s Chief Executive Employment Sub Committee on Tuesday last week.