QLDC appoints council manager Michelle Morss as interim CEO

From QLDC.

Michelle Morss has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), following a decision of the Full Council on 23 January 2026.

The appointment ensures the organisation and community have consistency and stability while work continues to recruit a Chief Executive.

Mayor John Glover said the appointment followed a robust process, led by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).

“The most important decision that this Council will make is to appoint the substantive replacement for Mike Theelen. Michelle brings the knowledge and experience needed to lead the organisation as it faces the reforms and challenges over the coming months pending that appointment, and it is wonderful that we will have an interim who can hit the ground running.”

Michelle brings more than 20 years’ leadership experience across local government and the private sector internationally. She has been at QLDC for ten years and General Manager Strategy and Policy / a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for the past three. She has been a leading voice in the development of the Regional Deal, the Spatial Plan and the Destination Management Plan. Prior to joining local government, Michelle headed up the Asia Pacific division of a UK-based company, nurturing three new businesses in Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.

Originally from the UK, Michelle holds masters qualifications in both public administration (2020) and modern history (2000). She is well-versed in the challenges we face as a district and is focused upon achieving good outcomes for our community. With a background in project management, Michelle has been a key member of the Emergency Operations Centre for a number of years and is currently the district’s Recovery Manager. She brings strong networks and connections across the district and a demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti and our Kāi Tahu partners.

Michelle said she’s excited to step into the Interim Chief Executive role, providing consistency and continuity for our communities over the next few months.

“It’s going to be a busy period as we work on the development of the Long Term Plan, the establishment of the Water Services CCO and understand the implications of a broad range of central government reforms for the sector.”

“Having lived in the district for over ten years, it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to play a role in securing good outcomes for our communities and ensuring that we continue to deliver our services without interruption,” she said.

Mayor John Glover acknowledged Mike Theelen for ten years of leadership and service at QLDC.

“Whilst I’ve only worked alongside Mike for a matter of months, it is fully evident that his commitment to public service and in particular his belief in the purpose of local government are values that he holds very dearly. His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter for QLDC and I am sure will open a new one for Mike and his family,” he said.

Recruitment for a Chief Executive is expected to begin in the coming months and will be led by the Council’s CEO Relationship and Recruitment Committee. Further details on next steps will be provided in due course.