Former Gore District Council (GDC) senior executive Rex Capil is to take on a new role with the Invercargill City Council as Group Manager for Community Spaces and Places on Monday (27 Nov).

Capil has extensive local government experience, having worked across New Zealand and with the Southland District Council and Venture Southland (now Great South).

Capil's most recent appointment was as Deputy Chief Executive and General Manager Community Lifestyle Services of the recent controversary-plagued Gore District Council.

Capil had been expected to take up the role of interim chief executive of the Gore-based council, following the resignation of long term chief executive Stephen Parry, but had subsequently also resigned his position.

ICC Chief Executive Michael Day said he was pleased to welcome Capil to the team and looked forward to utilising his extensive skills in the day-to-day running of Council.

“I, and the other members of the Executive Leadership Team, are immensely impressed with Rex’s background."

"I’m really looking forward to seeing what he’s capable of here in Invercargill."

“One of Rex’s main areas that he will be focussing on is the development of Project 1225, the museum rebuild project."

"It’s Council’s biggest tasks but I have no doubt he is the best person for the job.”

Capil said he was very much looking forward to getting started in Invercargill.

“It’s a Council that has so many exciting opportunities ahead, and from my perspective, it provides scale, resources and a sense of purpose, which means we can make a difference working alongside the community we serve now and for future generations."

Capil also said the move felt like a home coming and he was looking forward to reigniting old relationships and developing new ones.

“My focus is on our people and wrapping around support, structures, resources, and tools so they are well-supported and can deliver the best possible outcomes for the future of our city. I will be looking to provide stability, to ensure delivery and accountability, and to support any organisations biggest asset – our people.”

The Group Manager of Community Spaces and Places is responsible for the city's parks, pool, venues, library and museum services.