Waikato District Council appoints new chief financial officer

Waikato District Council has appointed experienced public-sector finance leader Paul Conder as its new chief financial officer, with his permanent role beginning on December 15, 2025.

Conder is a chartered accountant and chartered director with a long history in financial management across local and central government, as well as the education, health and energy sectors.

His local government background includes serving as acting CFO at Wellington City Council from 2022 to 2023 and at Hamilton City Council in 2014 – 15. He has also held governance roles as an independent member of the New Plymouth District Council Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (2024 – 25) and Auckland Council’s Audit and Risk Committee (2014 – 22).

More recently, Conder was chief executive of All Green Lights Limited, a management consultancy specialising in mentoring and contract CFO services. He has been acting CFO at Waikato District Council for the past three months and says he is excited to take on the role permanently.

“I’m proud to lead the finance team, working together to be a high-performing unit and trusted partners to our business and the communities we serve. There are many challenges ahead in local government, and as CFO it’s my role to assist the mayor, councillors, and the chief executive in enabling Waikato District Council to capture the opportunities that come from both population and economic growth,” he says.

Waikato District Council chief executive Craig Hobbs says he is pleased Conder has chosen to continue with the organisation.

“As one of the biggest provincial councils, and one of the highest growth districts in New Zealand, we want Waikato District Council to be a benchmark for local government. We are excited to have someone of Paul’s calibre and experience join us on that journey.”

Outside work, Conder enjoys spending time with his wife, Ruth, their family, and five mokopuna.