The Monday Q&A: Whanganui District Council chief executive Kym Fell bids a fond farewell

Departing Whanganui District Council chief executive Kym Fell shared some fond memories as he prepared to leave for a new life in Wellington. Photo / Bevan Conley

Every Monday, the Chronicle fires 10 questions at a local to find out what makes them tick. This week Liz Wylie put some questions to departing Whanganui District Council chief executive Kym Fell.

What will you miss most about Whanganui?

The sense of community and lifestyle, the creative artwork, heritage buildings and quality galleries and museums. The New Zealand Masters Games and attending many charitable fundraising events. Socialising in cool spots like Porridge Watson, Maria Lane Eatery and the funky little bar Next Door. Most importantly, I will miss the people who made me feel welcome – it can be an incredibly tough and lonely role.

You are reputed to have a great sense of humour. What tickles your funnybone and what has been your most humorous experience while working in Whanganui?

I had arranged to meet a high-level government official to persuade him to approve a $10m grant for Whanganui. I was somewhat anxious and when the official arrived, he appeared to be of Māori descent. The most appropriate way of greeting him was naturally to hongi. As he presented for a handshake, I leaned in with the intent to hongi. He quickly ducked his head to the side and I ended up nuzzling his neck. It was incredibly awkward, to the extent that I couldn't look him in the eye for the next 20 minutes. The meeting ended well and I later discovered he was from the Cook Islands. Needless to say, my colleagues found this hilarious. The $10m was subsequently approved and whilst I took one for the team, I credit my performance during that somewhat intimate moment.

What is the single-most-important piece of advice you would give to your successor?

Always make evidence-based decisions, challenge the status quo, be courageous, decisive and fearless; and enjoy the moment. Fight hard for the city, be humble and remember who you work for – the community.

How will you be relaxing over the summer?

My wife and I will be in the Wairarapa on our lifestyle block, planting grapes or olives and hopefully ending the day with a glass of Martinborough pinot noir and watching the sunset. We enjoy the outdoors such as trails … wine trails, cool cafes and walking our Maremma dogs on the beach.

If you had chosen another career path; what would you have liked to do?

Great question, maybe a funeral director - beneath the somewhat stern façade, I am in fact compassionate, highly organised and caring. Throughout the years, I reckon I would have made a great counsellor, mediator and negotiator as I have experience dealing with fiery teenage daughters.

If you could have dinner with any three people in the world, dead or alive, who would you invite?

Banksy (the mysterious artist, not the former politician), Liam Neeson and Johnny Cash.

What are you most looking forward to doing in Wellington that you couldn't do in Whanganui?

That's a tough question because Whanganui has so much to offer – maybe going to a café at 9pm, enjoying the late-night vibrancy and street entertainment, commuting between meetings on an e-scooter and visiting my favourite clothing store RM Williams.

When the borders finally open again; where in the world would you like to go?

New Orleans, Memphis or Nashville – Phuket, Kyoto or Italy.

What is your favourite music to listen to?

Cold Chisel, Hunters & Collectors, Fleetwood Mac, James Reyne, Neil Young, Eddie Vedder.

You've achieved a lot during your time working with Whanganui District Council. Which achievement are you most proud of?

A number of highlights for me include the Sarjeant Gallery redevelopment, the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, modernising our customer services area and the Upokongaro cycleway bridge. I am, however, most proud to have developed a high-performing organisation where our customer is now the priority.