Executive Team

Shayne has been Chief Executive of Manawatū District Council since 2019. He is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the organisation, working closely with the Mayor and elected members to deliver on Council’s priorities and serve the Manawatū community.

Born in Palmerston North, Shayne attended Palmerston North Boys High School. He brings extensive public sector experience to the role serving for 23 years in the New Zealand Army across both the Regular and Territorial Forces, before transitioning into local government. He went on to spend 17 years at Palmerston North City Council, where he progressed from Building Officer to Development Services Manager prior to joining Manawatū District Council in 2008 as the Services Group Manager which later became General Manager - Corporate and Regulatory.

Shayne’s leadership is shaped by his background in both military and local government environments, with a strong focus on accountability, service delivery, and organisational performance. He is committed to ensuring Council is well-positioned to meet current needs while planning for the future of the Manawatū district.

Lyn has been General Manager - Community at Manawatū District Council since November 2021. She leads a range of community-facing services including community facilities, parks and reserves, community grants and services, economic development initiatives, regulatory services, and Council controlled organisations.

Of Ngāi Tahu descent, Lyn grew up in Southland and brings a diverse professional background spanning media, electricity, local government, and the health sector. She has also run her own event management and community engagement business, giving her a strong understanding of working alongside communities and stakeholders.

Lyn moved to the Manawatū in 2013 following a period working in the United Kingdom. Her strong connection to the District underpins her commitment to supporting vibrant, connected communities and ensuring council services respond to local needs and aspirations.

Hamish joined Manawatū District Council in May 2011 as General Manager - Infrastructure. He oversees the delivery and management of core services including the district’s roading network, water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems, as well as solid waste and recycling operations. He also oversees Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management functions and is a Local Controller.

A sixth-generation local, Hamish attended Taonui School and Feilding Agricultural High School. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science, specialising in Resource Management and Environmental Engineering, and later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management.

Hamish has extensive experience across both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He worked as a consultant in the dairy industry with the New Zealand Dairy Group and later Fonterra. He spent five years in London working across three borough councils in infrastructure project management, programme delivery, and business improvement. On returning to New Zealand, he held a regional leadership role with Downer New Zealand before joining the Manawatu District Council.

Hamish is focused on delivering reliable, safe, and efficient infrastructure services to the Manawatu community. He brings a strong delivery focus to his role, while driving positive environmental outcomes and improvements in how infrastructure is planned and delivered ensuring it meets current needs while supporting the district into the future.

Frances joined Manawatū District Council in August 2016 and is now the General Manager - Corporate. She leads teams including IT, Information Management, GIS, Iwi-Māori Liaison, Customer Services, Communication and Engagement, Governance, Risk and Strategy, supporting the organisation’s systems, services and strategic direction.

Originally from Halcombe, Frances holds degrees in Human Resources and Operations Management from the University of Canterbury. She began her career at Palmerston North City Council as an HR Advisor before heading overseas on her OE. Based in London, she worked across central government, the private sector and local government, including at the City of London Corporation.

Frances lives just outside Feilding with her husband on a lifestyle block. Weekends are spent planting trees, working in the garden, and keeping up with their collection of animals, including chickens, ducks, cats and sheep. Each year, they take on one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, enjoying getting out and experiencing the beauty and breadth of our country.

Kate joined Manawatū District Council in 2025 and leads the People Group, providing organisation-wide leadership across people strategy, culture, organisational learning, capability development, HR operations, employment relations, health, safety and wellbeing and payroll.

Originally from Christchurch, Kate has built her career across both the public and private sectors, holding leadership roles across various People functions including organisational development, learning and capability, and change management. Prior to joining Council, she held senior leadership positions with NZ Transport Agency and FMG, helping these organisations navigate change, build capability and develop high-performing teams.

Kate holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Otago and is accredited in Clifton Strengths coaching and organisational coaching through the Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL). She is passionate about creating environments where people can thrive, do their best work and continue to grow and develop.

Her focus is on strengthening MDC as a capable, connected and future-ready organisation that enables its people and communities to succeed.