The Mayor and the District Councillors are responsible for employing the Chief Executive, who manages the council staff.

The Chief Executive heads a group of senior managers, who each manage key areas (see below).

Council staff provide the elected council with policy advice and implement policies under the direction of the Chief Executive. The staff decide how to go about achieving the goals and implementing the policies that the Councillors want.

In the absence of the Chief Executive, the Planning & Regulatory Manager (Mike Avery) becomes Deputy Chief Executive.

District Mayor & Councillors

Chief Executive (Michael Freeman)

Community Services (Pauline James)

Community Development
Community Grants
Economic Development
Information Centre
Stratford and Districts Centennial Library
Promotions / Communication 

Operations (John Jones)

Roading
Stormwater
Water Supply
Refuse Disposal
Sewerage
Parks and Reserves
Sports Fields
Swimming Pool
Holiday Park
Council Properties

Planning and Regulatory (Mike Avery)

Planning and Regulatory
Resource Consents
Monitoring, Building Control
Environmental Health
Hazardous Substances
Liquor Licensing
Dog Control
General Inspections
Parking Control
Civil Defence
Rural Fire

Corporate Services (Morkel Swart)

Rating
Accounting
Financial Reporting
Treasury
Debt Collection
Administration
Service Centre
Records Management