Anthony is a seasoned senior infrastructure leader with over 25 years’ experience with infrastructure development, operations and maintenance covering waste, waters, transport and property portfolios. Prior to joining Buller District Council, he held significant roles at North Shore City Council and Auckland Transport.
Senior leadership team
The senior leadership team consists of four group managers who are responsible for one out of four departments within Council.
Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer is appointed to manage Council operations and lead Council's senior leadership team.
Simon Pickford
Chief Executive Officer
Simon brings over two decades of local government experience to Buller District Council, with a rich background in various council functions, including customer and regulatory services, community development, libraries, IT, corporate strategy, and policy.
His expertise is further complemented by his role as General Manager of Community Services at Dunedin City Council, where, over nine years, he not only led community services but also gained significant emergency management experience, notably during the 2015 South Dunedin floods.
Simon has a strong track record of building meaningful relationships with communities, mana whenua, partners, and stakeholders, aligning projects and services with council strategies to fulfil the council's vision.
His open and collaborative leadership approach and his ability to develop high-performing teams make him a significant addition to the executive team.
Outside of work he enjoys spending time with family, road trips around Aotearoa and collecting way too many vinyl records.
Simon joined Buller District Council as Chief Executive Officer on 25 March 2024.
Council's departments
Infrastructure Services
The Infrastructure department is responsible for asset management, operation, and implementation of Council operated infrastructure across the district. The department controls all activities associated with roading, water, sewerage, stormwater and solid waste.
Community Services
The community services department is responsible for the provision of services at Council facilities such as service centres, libraries and recreation facilities. The management of communication activities, overseeing Council’s properties such as parks, reserves and halls, developing community and economic development strategies and policy falls within the responsibility of this department.
Krissy Trigg - Group Manager Community Services
Bio
Krissy grew up in Kent, England before moving to New Zealand in 2012. She moved straight to Westport where she settled down with her family. Having worked as branch manager in banking overseas, she quickly slotted into senior services and bank management roles on the West Coast. She brings more than 10-years of leadership experience and a passion for great customer service to her role.
Regulatory Services
Regulatory Services is responsible for the building and planning departments of Council as well as activities relating to compliance such as alcohol licencing and animal control. The department also oversees civil defence activities for our district.
Simon Bastion - Group Manager Regulatory Services
Simon has extensive experience in local government and has resided on the West Coast since 2013, having served as the former Chief Executive of Westland District Council for six and half years.
He brings with him a strong skillset including customer service, strategy development, health and safety, continuous improvement, and supporting and developing high-performing teams.
Prior to this, he spent 25 years in the dairy industry, with four and a half years as General Manager of Operations for Westland Milk Products, preceded by time spent overseas working in the dairy industry in Saudi Arabia.
Commercial and Corporate Services
The Commercial and Corporate Services department is responsible for financial and rating activities, governance and elections, internal IT support and information management. The department also oversees the management of Council operated ventures such as the Westport Port and Airport.
Paul Numan - Group Manager Corporate Services
Bio
With an extensive financial and corporate management background, Paul brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the role. He is a chartered accountant and a member of the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Paul has had a distinguished career across various sectors, including local government, health services, and community organisations. Before joining Council, he held significant roles such as General Manager of Corporate Services at Mackenzie District Council, Finance and Commercial Manager at Kaikoura District Council, and General Manager of Corporate Services at Richmond Services Ltd.
His extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to community service align perfectly with Council's values and goals. His appointment in June 2024 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Council's corporate services.
His leadership brings innovative solutions and a proactive approach to the challenges and opportunities for our community.
