Today marks the establishment of three new Auckland Council development and property-related functions following the integration of Eke Panuku Development Auckland and the economic development arm of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited into the council.
The Council-controlled Organisation (CCO) integration within directorates at Auckland Council has led to the establishment of the Auckland Urban Development Office, Property department and Economic Development Office.
This milestone follows a decision by the Governing Body in December 2024, to ensure the organisation is best set up to deliver effectively for Tāmaki Makaurau through greater strategic alignment, democratic accountability and improved service delivery for Aucklanders.
Chief Executive Phil Wilson formally welcomed around 300 CCO staff to the council and expressed his excitement for the establishment of the new functions, saying it was a proud moment that reflected months of preparation and collaboration.
“Bringing these critical functions together inside the council enhances our ability to work more cohesively and effectively across the organisation and with our partners, iwi, and communities.
“The integration and creation of the new functions will strengthen the council’s ability to coordinate delivery in a place-based way, including around growth opportunities and large-scale development,” he says.
Details of the new functions are as follows:
The Auckland Urban Development Office will serve as the council’s development ‘front door’ for large-scale projects and priority locations. The office will work with investors, developers, iwi, Crown agencies and the private sector to deliver smart and sustainable urban development in areas earmarked for regeneration and strategic growth.
The Property department is responsible for the council’s substantial property portfolio, including the city’s three marinas. It will provide strategic leadership, advice and management to ensure the council group is optimising its property assets and related services to best serve Aucklanders now and into the future.
Meanwhile, the economic development functions of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited have been brought together with the council’s Community and Social Innovation team and Local Economic Brokers to form the Economic Development Office. This new service will drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region.
Mr Wilson said the council’s Executive Leadership Team were proud to have appointed experienced managers to drive success “It’s all about looking towards the future and ensuring we are best set up to be the council Aucklanders need us to be.”
The General Managers appointed to lead each of the new functions are:
Patrick Dougherty, General Manager, Auckland Urban Development Office
Patrick has more than two decades experience managing large-scale urban development. Most recently, he was General Manager Construction and Innovation for Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, where he oversaw nationwide public housing construction. As Chair of the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment Construction Advisory Panel, Patrick is committed to delivering value for Aucklanders through wise decision making and supporting outcomes which are inclusive, future-focused and culturally grounded.
Pam Ford, General Manager, Economic Development Office
Pam is widely respected as a passionate advocate for Auckland’s economic growth. Over the past decade, she has led major economic development initiatives at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, most recently as Director of Economic Development. Pam’s earlier career includes senior roles with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and private sector organisations – bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to this new role.
Ian Wheeler, General Manager, Property department
Ian was previously Chief Operating Officer of Eke Panuku where he oversaw the leadership, planning and delivery of the council’s urban regeneration and capital delivery programme. Ian previously held senior property management and development roles at Auckland Council and Housing New Zealand Corporation. At the council, his role covered the management of a multi-billion-dollar property portfolio. Ian’s 30 years’ experience in the property industry includes management and governance roles within the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in New Zealand and abroad.
To support the new functions and improve overall efficiency, realignment has also occurred across other areas of the council with CCO staff joining teams across Finance, Group Shared Services, Communications and Marketing, the Chief People Office, and Governance departments.
The CCO integration announced today is one of four key workstreams under the broader CCO Transition programme, which also includes:
- Strengthening the CCO Model
- Transport Reform
- Group Shared Services
Work in these areas is progressing, with future updates expected later this year.
“While today marks a significant milestone, our journey to strengthen Auckland Council continues,” Mr Wilson added. “We remain committed to building a council group that works smarter and more effectively for Tāmaki Makaurau.”
With the integration of Eke Panuku into the council whānau, Mr Wilson acknowledged the immense contribution of Eke Panuku Chief Executive David Rankin as he leaves the organisation, following five years at the helm of Eke Panuku, and many years of leadership prior to that as the Chief Executive of Auckland City Council and Auckland Council Property Limited.
“David’s more than 35-year contribution to shaping a vibrant and inclusive city means his impact and influence can be seen and experienced all around us. I want to take an important moment to sincerely thank and applaud David for his work, as both a strong commercial and community advocate,” he says.
