Annika Lane rejoins Western Bay council in strategy role

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has appointed Annika Lane as its new general manager of strategy and community, with her start date set for 23 March. Lane previously held the role of general manager policy and planning at the same council between 2006 and 2010, making this a return to familiar ground.

Since leaving the council, she has built a broad career across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, working with organisations including Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council, and the Cook Islands National Environment Service. Her work has spanned legislative reform, governance, and long-term systems change. Lane is based at Tānerēs Point.

Acting chief executive Miriam Taris described Lane's appointment as a strong fit for the council's strategic direction and its focus on community-centred outcomes. In her new role, Lane will oversee spatial planning, legislative and policy reform, and strategic programmes aimed at supporting sustainable growth across the Western Bay district.

Lane said she was drawn to the role by the council's collaborative approach and its commitment to community development, describing it as an exciting time to be working in local government.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).