Ōtorohanga Council Chief Executive Tanya Winter Resigns to Take Up Waimate Role

After seven years leading Ōtorohanga District Council, Tanya Winter is heading south to be closer to family, with her departure scheduled for January 2027.

By Webfit News | 19 October 2026

Ōtorohanga District Council Chief Executive Tanya Winter has announced her resignation after accepting the Chief Executive position at Waimate District Council.

Winter, who joined Ōtorohanga District Council in 2019, will finish in her current role on 15 January 2027.

The move will allow her to return south and live closer to her whānau, a decision she described as difficult after years of service to the district.

Mayor Praises Winter’s Leadership

Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow acknowledged Winter’s contribution, saying the Council was disappointed to lose her but understood her decision.

“We’re going to miss Tanya. She’s done a great job for our district, and we’re really happy she has this opportunity to be closer to family,” Dow said.

He praised her positivity, energy and commitment to the community, particularly her focus on building relationships and supporting council staff.

According to Dow, Winter helped develop a strong team and a workplace culture where employees felt supported to perform at their best.

An Emotional Decision After Seven Years

Winter said leaving Ōtorohanga was not an easy choice.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve the communities of the Ōtorohanga District,” she said.

“I am incredibly proud of what Council has achieved working alongside our communities. I am grateful for the relationships, friendships and experiences I will take with me.”

Although she has accepted the Waimate position, Winter said her immediate priority remains Ōtorohanga District Council, its employees and the wider community.

What Happens Next?

Winter will continue leading the Council over the coming months while supporting the transition to a new Chief Executive.

Ōtorohanga District Council has indicated that further details about the recruitment process and leadership transition will be announced in due course.

Her departure will create a leadership vacancy at the Council as it prepares for the next phase of its administration.

Key details

Detail	Information
Departing Chief Executive	Tanya Winter
Current council	Ōtorohanga District Council
New appointment	Waimate District Council Chief Executive
Joined Ōtorohanga	2019
Final working day	15 January 2027
Reason for move	Opportunity to be closer to whānau
Replacement	Recruitment details to be announced

Source: Ōtorohanga District Council media release, 19 October 2026.

Photo: Tanya Winter. Image supplied with the Ōtorohanga District Council media release.