Meet the team

Our staff

Our staff are responsible for supporting and assisting the Council in achieving its vision for the community, by providing efficient and effective services and administration support.

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Bob Penter

bob.penter@chathamislands.govt.nz

Operations Manager

Colette (Klicky) Peni
colette.peni@chathamislands.govt.nz

Council Executive Assistant

Jo Guise
jo.guise@chathamislands.govt.nz

Finance Technical Lead

Sue-Ellen Vaatuitui

Regulatory Officer

Colleen Clearwater

Biosecurity Officer

Jase Seymour

Emergency Manager

Rana Solomon

Emergency Management Assistant

Vacant

Dog & Stock Control Officer

Nadia Thomas

Receptionist/Administrator

Lavinia Lanauze

Heartlands Office

Barby Joyce
heartlands@chathamislands.govt.nz

For general enquiries please email info@chathamislands.govt.nz or phone 03 305 0033

Our elected representatives

As with all local authorities, elections are held every three years to appoint a Mayor and Councillors. The most recent election was held in 2025.

Mayor

Greg Horler – greg.horler@chathamislands.govt.nz

Deputy Mayor

• Celine Gregory-Hunt – celine.gregory-hunt@chathamislands.govt.nz

Councillors

• Keri Day – keri.day@chathamislands.govt.nz

• Graeme Hoare – graeme.hoare@chathamislands.govt.nz

• Bridget Gibb – bridget.gibb@chathamislands.govt.nz
• Jenna Hoverd – jenna.hoverd@chathamislands.govt.nz
• Jacqui Southcombe – jacqui.southcombe@chathamislands.govt.nz
• Nathaniel Whaitiri – nathaniel.whaitiri@chathamislands.govt.nz  

Environment Canterbury support

Environment Canterbury(external link) staff in Christchurch support the Chatham Islands Council with planning, science, corporate services, resource management, emergency management, maritime safety and biosecurity.