"Dr Bidrose made headlines last year when it emerged she had tried to turn down a $57,000 pay rise, designed to bring her in line with her male counterparts across the country.
She also agreed to a hefty pay cut for six months this year as
councils nationwide grappled with the economic fallout of Covid-19." https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/419225/dunedin-city-council-chief-executive-sue-bidrose-resigns-to-lead-agresearch
and I'm whisked back in time, remembering various scary drivers back in my hitch-hiking days.
Outgoing Dunedin chief executive speaks of online vitriol
.... Bidrose, who announced her resignation on Wednesday, said she wasn't leaving her role because of online vitriol, but said it had become worse during her tenure.
''It is appalling. It is really hard,'' Bidrose told media, just an hour after confirming she was resigning from the top job.
A senior staff member, who recently joined council from the private sector, noted the fierce criticism of council: ''It takes its toll.'' ...
.... She hit the headlines in March when council confirmed Bidrose would reduce her $444,000 annual salary by 15 per cent over the next six months, saving ratepayers $33,300.
Last year Stuff revealed Bidrose asked not to be awarded a $57,000 pay rise, believing it would make her job "harder".
"It is an awkward thing to have to explain a large salary increase to my staff at the best of times," she said at the time. ... https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/121855192/outgoing-dunedin-chief-executive-speaks-of-online-vitriol
Bidrose: Darkest days in aftermath of Citifleet fraud
Dr Bidrose is leaving the organisation to take up an a new role as AgResearch chief executive in Christchurch.
She has been the council's chief executive for almost seven years and announced her resignation to councillors and staff this afternoon.
She will leave the council on July 17 and join AgResearch, based at its Lincoln Campus, on July 27.
The Crown Research Institute is responsible for research centres and farms across the country, including the Invermay campus in Dunedin.
"It’s time for me to hand over the reins to someone else now. AgResearch will probably be the last big job I take on."
She said the hardest part of her time in the role was during the investigation into the $1.5 million Citifleet fraud in 2014.
Brent Bachop, the man at the centre of the fraud, took his own life as pressure mounted on him about irregularities found within his department.
"It was awful, very hard, Dr Bidrose said. "But it became a springboard to us being better."
She said being under the scrutiny of council and the public was difficult at times.
"It can be hard being questioned."
Dr Bidrose had confidence in Mayor Aaron Hawkins' vision for Dunedin.
"Aaron's vision for the city is fantastic, we've got a great bunch of senior councillors who will drive the city into the future."
Mr Hawkins said the news was "disappointing and sad” for council.
"It’s important to note we’re not losing her from the city. AgResearch is an important part of the city.”
In a statement sent to media earlier, Dr Bidrose said she was excited to be returning to AgResearch - the place she began her working life as a young laboratory technician.
"Now is a great time to be working back in science. The whole country has seen how important good science is for the well-being of New Zealanders, and AgResearch is at the forefront of that good science."
Dr Bidrose said she was confident she would leave the council with the organisation in good health, guided by staff who cared deeply about the city and its ratepayers.
"I leave the DCC when it is in really good heart with an excellent, hard-working Mayor and senior Councillors committed to doing the best for the city.
"I wanted to create a really modern, best-practice, A-grade public sector organisation and I feel like I have done that.
"Now it’s time for someone else to take the DCC - and the city - forward."
She was proud of the changes introduced during her time in charge, many of which – like increased investment in repairs and maintenance – did not always get the attention they deserved.
The results were recognised recently by the Office of the Auditor-General, which selected the Dunedin City Council as one of a small group of exemplars to include in its guide to best practice for developing workplace integrity and public service ethics.
"That’s my proudest achievement," Dr Bidrose said....
.... Dr Bidrose joined the council in 2010 as General Manager Strategy and Development, following earlier roles at the Waitakere City Council, the Ministry of Social Development and as a director of Workwise, an agency assisting people with mental illness into work.
In 2013, she became the council's chief executive, replacing Paul Orders.
The appointment of an Acting Chief Executive would be considered by the council at its next meeting on June 30..... (read more at https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/darkest-days-came-aftermath-massive-fraud-bidrose#comment-26794
Comments
It's a tough, tough uncomfortable job with all the division and infighting.
It will be sad to see Bidrose go said somebody I'm sure, lets see if she can beat Napier's Councils CEO morning tea of over $4000. I'm sure a lot will follow her career if it is not just out of curiosity. Lets hope there is least a two year period of accountability if not with Bidrose at least with the Mayor being held accountable for all the decisions she has forced on Dunedin. Poor Hawkins will be like a fish out of water. On wards and upwards Dunedin the horizon is looking good. Fair well Bidrose, well wishes, I'm sure you did do some good for Dunedin.
Why the personal sniping. It doesn't have to be at every single opportunity. Sue Bidrose is a human and is leaving a work position which has been very important to her and also challenging: she has put her heart and soul in to it. The decent thing is to wish someone well. Or stay silent. These constant criticisms made by a small segment start lurching towards the "online bullying" realm. All the very best Sue! Many Dunedinites appreciate your work, vision and integrity. Many of us think Dunedin is going forward very positively. Thank you for your dedication, vision and service.
good luck to her..she did a great job in a difficult council
Even though some of her recent comments have been a bit disappointing (George St fiasco) i still want to thank her for sorting out the cities financial problems etc for the first few years, which was why she was appointed to the job.
Would be good to get Invermay humming again now... ;)
Sue is a good person but wasnt considered a good leader. Lots of kind words, yet a lot of staff at the DCC oddly voted for vandervis for mayor as a mechanism to remove Sue and her senior team. She wont be missed at city hall.
