Dawn Baxendale

Chief Executive, Christchurch City Council

New Christchurch City Council chief executive Dawn Baxendale sets high expectations for herself and for her teams. With that in mind, she’s set herself a goal many of us who have lived in New Zealand have not achieved: learning Te Reo Maori. It’s something she feels is important as she integrates into her new home city.

Dawn moved here in September and has quickly settled in, finding a home in Ilam. Husband Scott has gone back to the UK and will return with eldest son Jacob.  Their other son Elliott is attending St Andrew’s College in the city.

Aside from a desire to learn the local language, what else can we expect from the former chief executive of Birmingham Council? Over 30 years working in local government, Dawn has built a reputation as someone with energy and enthusiasm, who works collaboratively with others to get results. She is also known for taking a keen interest in the financial performance of the organisation she leads.

It’s a long way from Huddersfield to Christchurch, New Zealand, a city still dealing with the consequences of the earthquakes and recent terror attacks. However, Dawn is unfazed by the challenge ahead. As she puts it: "You need to be excited by the opportunity and you need to understand that you are coming in at the beginning of a journey and it is going to be hard, hard work."