Richard Templer will take over as chief executive of Engineering New Zealand in November, replacing incumbent Susan Freeman-Greene who departs the chair this week to be chief executive of Local Government New Zealand.

Engineering New Zealand president Colin Crampton says Templer, currently chief executive of Manawatū District Council, stood out as a collegial leader who knows how to get things done through others.

“Richard is a seasoned leader who has developed good relationships with mana whenua and key stakeholders, and delivered results for the council’s customers and communities,” he stated.

Templer, who holds a PhD in engineering and has a background in science and innovation, says he’s excited about joining the Engineering New Zealand team.

“2020 has delivered unexpected, major challenges for all of us. Engineering and engineers are playing vital roles in New Zealand’s response. They’re delivering innovative healthcare solutions, new means of keeping communities connected, working on vaccine manufacture and creating new infrastructure.

“As the profession rises to these challenges, we must do so in new, creative, inclusive and diverse ways, as we engineer better lives for all New Zealanders.”