New DEFA CO to start in September

Fri, 01 Sep 2023

Scott Gallacher has been appointed to take over from Ste Stanley as Chief Officer (CO) for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

Mr Gallacher has held a number of senior executive roles within the New Zealand Government in areas such as animal welfare, biosecurity, fisheries, food safety and forestry.

Most recently Gallacher has led Wellington’s Public Transport Authority Metlink, which is responsible for 130,000 bus, ferry and rail passengers a day.

Speaking on his new role, Gallacher said: “I cannot wait to get started and look forward to working with the team at DEFA, communities and stakeholders throughout the Island as we look to protect and enhance the Island’s natural and built assets within the core principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability."

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture said that Gallacher’s “extensive background and experience makes him a valuable addition” to the Department.

She is “confident that his expertise will greatly contribute” to the efforts of DEFA’s various Divisions.

Stanley has relocated from DEFA to take up Executive Director of Urban Regeneration in the Cabinet Office.

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