Breakdown in Relationship Between Mayor and Chief Executive Confirmed
Written by John Freer on May 22, 2025
CFM can confirm that the working relationship between Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt and the Council’s Chief Executive, Aileen Lawrie, has broken down, with communication between the pair reportedly limited to formal meetings or when others are present.
Sources both inside and outside Thames-Coromandel District Council have confirmed the deteriorating dynamic, with representatives from other councils and Local Government New Zealand telling CFM they are concerned about the growing dysfunction at the district’s highest leadership level, due to the minimal communication between its two most senior figures.
CFM sought comment from both Mayor Salt and Chief Executive Lawrie.
The Mayor declined to comment. In response, Ms Lawrie acknowledged our request but advised that Cr John Morrissey, Chair of the Chief Executive Committee, would respond on her behalf.
Cr Morrissey stated that the committee remains satisfied the Chief Executive is available to support the Mayor and elected members in carrying out their responsibilities.
He added that, as an employee, Ms Lawrie would not be expected to respond publicly to what he referred to as employment matters.
Any public comment, he said, would be for the Mayor to make.
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Shane Thomsen On May 22, 2025 at 9:24 am
Fighting amongst themselves, and not working for the community or the people.
The previous CEO left the country a frustrated man.