The Mayor of Auckland has set his committee structure for the Auckland Council term ahead to a line-up of newly minted councillors.
The new structure features fewer committees and fewer meetings, which will now run on a six-weekly schedule instead of monthly. Additionally, Governing Body and large committee meetings will move from Thursdays to Tuesdays. Workshops will be on Wednesdays and other committees on Thursdays.
Mayor Wayne Brown says he looks forward to working with councillors to deliver what matters for Auckland. The new schedule will afford more time to councillors ahead of big decisions.
“This is about being efficient with time and money and giving councillors a schedule that makes more sense for them. They need time in their communities, not stuck around council meetings in the town hall all day every day.”
The Mayor says there’s a broad skill set across councillors that has been well employed.
“All chair positions in committees have been given to councillors who have demonstrated significant leadership and collaboration capabilities last term. Transport reform and a new plan for housing intensification mean we have some decisions ahead that will have a huge impact on how and where people live. I’m glad to have Councillor Andy Baker and Councillor Richard Hills chairing those committees. I have positioned councillors to make the most of their skills and experience. I’ve thought very carefully about getting the knowledge in the right places.”
He says he wants a future focus in decision-making and working with government.
“Finishing the fix in transport and housing and other infrastructure bits and pieces means we will have a more physically resilient region. But we must also have a greater focus on strengthening the financial resilience of our future. I’m glad to have my Deputy Desley Simpson chairing our Value for Money Committee, and Councillor Greg Sayers heading up Budget and Performance. I’m looking forward to their work here.”
The new committee structure will take effect immediately.
