Rachael Bailey named interim chief executive of Napier City Council

By the Explore Napier news desk · Published Thursday 12 November 2026

Napier City Council has appointed Rachael Bailey, one of its own executive directors, as interim chief executive. She starts on Thursday 3 December, taking over from Louise Miller, who is leaving to lead Water Hawke's Bay.

Who

Rachael Bailey, currently the council's Executive Director Strategy and Urban Development

Role

Interim chief executive

Starts

Thursday 3 December

Councillors were unanimous in choosing her, Mayor Richard McGrath said in the council’s announcement on Tuesday 10 November. “We recognised that the best candidate was right here in front of us,” he said.

Who she is

Ms Bailey has more than 30 years of public service behind her. She has held leadership roles at the Department of Internal Affairs and the Commerce Commission, and before that worked for New Zealand Police. Her background includes intelligence work, managing information and relationships, leading organisations through change, and running frontline services.

Locally, she is Napier’s Local Controller and led the city’s emergency response during Cyclone Gabrielle and Cyclone Vaianu.

Why the top job is changing hands

Louise Miller announced her resignation in September. She is moving to Water Hawke’s Bay, the region’s water organisation, which is still being set up, to become its chief executive.

What happens next

Ms Bailey takes over on Thursday 3 December. The role is an interim one, and the council’s announcement does not say when or how a permanent chief executive will be appointed.

Explore Napier news desk: news@explorenapier.co.nz. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we’ll correct it.