Senior Upper Hutt Council Official Becomes Chief ExecutiveAugust 10, 2026Wellington, WairarapaThe Upper Hutt City Council’s acting chief executive is taking the full job starting in late August. The city’s councillors appointed Kate Thomson to the job on Monday evening to replace Geoff Swainson, who stepped down in May. “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.” Mayor Peri Zee said the search for a chief executive attracted a field of high-quality candidates, and Thomson had more than 20 years' experience in senior leadership and governance roles across government and commercial sectors in New Zealand and Australia. “As Chief Executive, she brings a strong strategic and financial background and a genuine commitment to Upper Hutt.