CEO steps down early from SWDC

South Wairarapa District Council has said goodbye to chief executive Dr Jack Dowds, several months earlier than expected.

Dr Dowds was set to finish his almost five-year stint as CEO on May 5, but has taken leave and finished in the role last Wednesday.

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said Dr Dowds would still be available to speak on important issues.

She said the council was unsure who would be replacing Dr Dowds at this stage and group manager of corporate support Paul Crimp was acting CEO.

"Council is looking at various options, we're looking at reorganising and we don't know what the outcome will be yet. We haven't made a decision yet as to whether we will appoint a new CEO or look at covering that position internally," she said.

She did not know what Dr Dowds' next step in employment would be but said he was dealing with some personal matters in the meantime.

"He had a few things that he wanted to do as far as I'm aware because his parents are not well," Mrs Staples said.

"I got on very well with Dr Dowds and I'll miss him."