Executive leadership team

Management structure

Councillors appoint a Chief Executive to lead the organisation.  Jonathan Gibbard is the Northland Regional Council Chief Executive.  Council services are led by an Executive Leadership Team that operates the following business units:

• Tāhūhū Rangapū | Chief Executive Officer - Jonathan Gibbard
• Te Roopu Tiaki Hapori | Group Community Resilience - led by Louisa Gritt
• Te Roopu Taumatua | Group Manager Corporate Services - led by Bruce Howse
• Te Roopu Manawhakahaere | Group Governance and Engagement - led by Auriole Ruka
• Te Roopu Tiaki Taiao | Environmental Services Group - led by Ruben Wylie
• Te Roopu Whakaritenga | Group Regulatory Services - led by Colin Dall
• Te Roopu Tiaki Pūtaiao | Group Biosecurity - led by Don McKenzie
• People and Culture - Led by Shane Cleary

Meet the team

Learn more about our Chief Executive and the Executive Leadership Team.

Jonathan Gibbard

Tāhūhū Rangapū – CEO

Jonathan has been Chief Executive of Northland Regional Council since 2022. He brings over two decades of experience in regional planning and environmental management, including roles at Whangarei District Council and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment. 

Known as Jono to most, he first joined NRC in 2002 as a Coastal Policy Analyst, and has since held many different roles across strategy, governance and environmental services. He holds a degree in Resource and Environmental Planning from Massey University. 

Jono is originally from Whanganui, where he grew up on a small farm as the oldest of four boys. He now lives in Tutukaka with his partner and their son. Jono loves the outdoors - especially fishing, hunting, surfing and camping and is passionate about the mahi NRC does with communities across Taitokerau. He’s known for his approachable leadership style, strong connection to the region and focus on outcomes and services that make a positive difference for people and places.

Bruce Howse

Pou Taumatua – Group Manager Corporate Services | Deputy CEO

Bruce leads the Corporate Services Group at Northland Regional Council, overseeing the functions of finance, governance, information technology, human resources, health and safety, strategic planning, economics and property / facilities management. 

With extensive experience in local government, corporate strategy, and operational leadership, Bruce plays a key role in supporting organisational delivery and efficiency. His work supports sustainable regional development and fosters innovation across council services.

He’s held several leadership roles at council, working across a range of different portfolios, and currently supports the CEO as Deputy. Bruce holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (Hons) degrees from the University of Waikato.

Outside of work he enjoys spending time with family and fishing at many of Northland’s great coastal spots.  

Colin Dall

Pou Whakaritenga – Group Manager Regulatory Services

Colin has over 30 years’ experience in resource management and working at senior management roles, across several regional councils. 

He holds a BSc in Chemistry, a Diploma in Agricultural Science, and a Master of Applied Science in Environmental Microbiology. Colin has served as an expert witness in Environment and High Court cases and appeared before the Pike River Royal Commission. 

He oversees regulatory functions under the RMA, including consents, compliance monitoring, and enforcement for coastal and industrial environments.

Outside of council, Colin enjoys travelling extensively and closer to home, can often be found leading group fitness classes in the community.

Auriole Ruka

Pou Manawhakahaere – Group Manager Strategic Partnerships and Engagement

Auriole (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto) joined council in 2019 and brings extensive leadership experience with a strong focus on furthering Māori economic and cultural development in Taitokerau. She holds a Bachelor in Māori Performing Arts, Pinakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, a Masters of Business and is currently completing a Doctorate in Indigenous Advancement. 

Her career includes senior management and governance roles in the not-for-profit sector, Māori organisations, housing advocacy, and cultural development
Auriole is actively engaged in creating healthy and thriving communities for future generations and is committed to building relationships between diverse groups and networks that make up our region. At council, she leads our Te Tiriti partnership, community engagement and customer services portfolios. 

Outside work, Auriole and husband Ralph love to spend time growing and investing in their mokopuna, whānau and hapū. Auriole has a strong interest in waka ama (outrigger canoeing) with their whānau club Te Puu Ao waka ama and kapa haka, and loves training at the local Cross Fit gym in Whangārei. 

Don McKenzie

Pou Tiaki Pūtaiao – Group Manager Biosecurity

Don has more than 35 years’ experience in environmental management having worked for the former NZ Forest Service and Department of Conservation at senior management roles.  He has also worked on national conservation projects. 

Don has a Bsc in Forestry science and in 2017 took himself back to university to acquire a post graduate diploma with distinction in Biosecurity and Conservation.  He has appeared as a witness in Environmental court proceedings and in 2017 received the National Award for Biosecurity by the Minister for Primary Industries.  

In his spare time Don likes spearfishing, outdoor sports, gardening and spending time with his family.

Don manages the Biosecurity group which includes the following teams: biosecurity partnerships; pest plants; marine biosecurity; pest animals and incursions; kauri protection and the Predator Free 2050 project.

Louisa Gritt, DSD

Pou Tiaki Hapori – Group Manager Community Resilience

Louisa leads NRC’s efforts in flood protection, transport services, emergency planning, harbour safety and climate action.

She brings a strong mix of operational leadership and community-focused strategy to the role. Louisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Hydrographic Surveying from the UK. 

Her career began in the UK and New Zealand defence forces, where she earned a Distinguished Service Decoration for leading NZ’s first shore-based international piracy operation. After retiring as a Navy Captain, she transitioned into conservation and civil support roles, including senior management positions at the Department of Conservation. 

Louisa is known for her empathetic leadership style and ability to build high-performing, respectful teams that deliver for Northland communities.

Ruben Wylie

Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services

Ruben leads NRC’s Environmental Services Group, overseeing areas including natural resource monitoring, land management, biodiversity, and resource management planning.

He joined NRC in 2021 having worked across local government and the private sector in resource management, strategic infrastructure delivery and policy and planning roles.
Ruben holds a Bachelor of Science degree and has extensive experience in regional planning and freshwater policy. 

Having grown up in the Far North, he is passionate about working alongside communities to protect Northland’s unique environment. Ruben is known for his collaborative approach and strong understanding of environmental legislation and planning frameworks.

Outside of work, Ruben enjoys exploring Northland’s outdoors and has a keen interest in unique collections, including taxidermy pieces.

Shane Cleary 

People and Culture Manager

Shane joined council in 2025 as People and Culture Manager. He leads the team that supports the organisation through leadership in culture, health and safety, employment relations, organisational development, and learning and development. 

Born and bred in Te Taitokerau, Shane brings two decades of experience in the local government sector. He is passionate about supporting people and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace environment. 

Shane has a strong personal interest in the outdoors and the region, and values council’s mission of working together to create a healthy environment, strong economy, and resilient communities. 

Contact information

To contact any of our executive team, send an email to info@nrc.govt.nz or freephone 0800 002 004.