Erik Barnes new Group Manager

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Southland District Council has a new Group Manager Services and Assets. Chief executive David Adamson said Erik Barnes will replace Cameron McIntosh, who is moving to the Invercargill City Council. Mr Barnes has been based in Christchurch as the Manager Antartic Programme with Antartica NZ for the past four years. In that role he has been responsible for managing Scott Base and its science and non-science programmes and so has oversight over a diverse range of contracts, including telecommunications, aircraft, engineering and services.

Mr Barnes holds tertiary qualifications in science, majoring in environmental science, and in electronics. He previously managed Western Washington University's Outdoor Centre, and also worked for the US Air Force and as a mountain guide.

He and his wife have two children aged four and one, so family is one of his key interests, along with running, swimming, skiing and climbing.

"Erik has shown with his previous positions strong decisive strategic leadership and has a raft of attributes suitable to this role," Mr Adamson said.

"It will be a steep learning curve for him coming into local government and we will ensure he has the appropriate induction programme to bring him up to speed as quickly as possible."

Mr Barnes said: "I am extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to work in local government.

"Southland's guiding principle of "People First" and the focus of sustainability in the vision are guiding principles in my own life.

"I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and am very excited to be working in such a wonderful environment and supportive team. I can't wait to move south!"

Mr Adamson was impressed with the quality of the 25 applicants for the group manager role.

Mr Barnes will be starting at the Council in mid-October.

Who to contact

If you would like to discuss a matter on this page, feel free to contact us:

Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz