Wellington City Council's chief executive is being forced to reapply for his job if he wants to keep it.

The council made the decision during a closed meeting yesterday, after the performance review earlier in the day of incumbent Garry Poole. He has held the job for 15 years.

After the 2 1/2 hour council meeting, councillors refused to reveal details of the outcome - and the silence continued today until a statement was released by the council, shortly after 5pm today.

Despite the lengthy debate, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon said the decision was in keeping with previous decisions to advertise the position in 2002 and 2007.

"The decision to advertise the role of Chief Executive was made in the interests of openness and transparency - and a decision the Council took seriously.

"As was the case in 2002 and 2007, Wellington City Council will be advertising the position of CE for a period up to five years. This is a consistent approach based on previous processes.''

Mr McKinnon said the decision was not a reflection of Mr Poole's performance.

''The city has developed well in so many areas over the past 15 years and CE Garry Poole deserves considerable credit for this progress. He's put Wellington in a strong position to meet the many challenges which lie ahead."

In the performance review, Mr Poole requested that he not be given a pay rise. His annual salary is $419,230.

Contact Katie Chapman
Wellington reporter
Email: katie.chapman@dompost.co.nz
Twitter: @katiechapman28

- © Fairfax NZ News

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