DORSET Council's Chief Executive Matt Prosser is resigning to work in New Zealand.

He is expected to take over as chief executive officer of Wellington City Council in the spring, after a decade in Dorset.

In a message to all staff on Thursday morning he said: "It has been my absolute privilege to be the first Chief Executive of Dorset Council and before that the Dorset Councils Partnership. As a family we have made Dorset our home after more than a decade working here, so this has not been an easy decision to make, but the chance to lead a capital city in another beautiful part of the world was not something I could easily say no too.

I had hoped that this news would have been announced this evening (Dec 5th) at Full Council but with New Zealand being 13 hours ahead of us, I felt you needed to be aware now.

"There has been no agreement on my start date in New Zealand, this will come once I have worked this through with the Leader of the Council, and also with my wife who will be moving to the other side of the world with me. As soon as there is any information on the future recruitment, we will let you all know.

"Can I take this opportunity to thank each one of you for the support you have given me as your Chief Executive. I truly believe in our new strapline that Council will consider as part of the new Council Plan tonight, working together means we can be ambitious for Dorset. I know you all will continue to be ambitious for Dorset even when I am no longer your Chief Executive."

In a statement issued by Wellington City Council is said Mr Prosser had been chosed, from an international field, for his three decades of experience working in local government, focus on people and community outcomes, innovation and transformation and proven leadership in developing teams.

Said Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau: " "Wellington is a city undergoing a period of change and revitalisation, upgrading our water infrastructure, making buildings and public spaces more attractive and resilient, taking climate action and evolving our transport network. This is being delivered by a Council committed to providing the services our community needs and wants within a challenging economic climate.

"To deliver, we need a high-performing organisation driven by an exceptional leader. I'm really pleased Matt is coming on board to lead our Council through this period of transition. Whilst new to Wellington, his international experience will be of significant benefit. He's a strong relationship builder, with decades of involvement in local government and a commitment to service.

"I look forward to working with him and introducing him to all that Pōneke has to offer," said the Mayor.

Mr Prosser is also quoted in the Wellington news release, saying: "I love New Zealand and have always thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Wellington. My wife and I are looking forward to becoming Wellingtonians and walking the lovely bush trails with our golden retriever, enjoying the excellent cafes and hospitality, and cheering on the Hurricanes and Poua.

"Wellington is just the kind of city we love, full of innovative, creative people, wonderful nature and a rich history.

"Local government is a complex environment with multiple stakeholders, competing interests and funding challenges, but also so much opportunity to contribute in a positive way to the wellbeing of our communities and environment. I'm looking forward to understanding how best to serve Wellington, working alongside the talented team at Wellington City Council," he says.

Mr Prosser's other roles have include president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers which he has undertaken from January 2023, and prior to his move to Dorset served as shared strategic director of South & Vale in Oxfordshire.

He has also been regional programme manager for the Improvement and Development Agency and has had other senior roles in West Oxfordshire and at the Vale of White Horse authority, dating back to 1999.