Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has today announced a new leadership team across council committee roles and positions to drive delivery through the remaining two years of the council term.
With major milestones ahead—including implementing the Auckland Deal with central government, embedding transport governance reform, progressing Plan Change 120, and drafting the next Long-term Plan (LTP)—the Mayor is appointing a ‘constructive coalition’ of councillors focused on regional results.
“At the start of the term, I made it clear I’d review committee structures and work programmes before we got into the next Long-term Plan. That time is now. Aucklanders need our most pragmatic, hard-working councillors in leadership positions to get the job done.”
Mayor Brown emphasised that the committee structure is designed to deliver regional priorities and urged all councillors to focus on big-picture regional governance.
“We are regional governors, not just a bigger local board. Leave decisions on where a shade sail should go or what colour the pavers ought to be to local boards—they know their communities best."
A key change is Councillor Victoria Short becoming the chair of the Performance and Budget Committee.
"Victoria is a qualified accountant in her own right and has already made a significant contribution to council through her role as the Deputy Chair of the Value for Money and Audit and Risk Committees and member of the Appointments and Performance Committees," says Mayor Brown.
"She's got an eye for detail and has already proven she has a laser focus on council expenditure and is accessible, approachable and is someone who is willing to listen and engage. That's what we need."
He says the team brings a pragmatic approach to the table.
“I’m interested in working with anyone who brings real ideas and works constructively with their colleagues. We’ve got councillors from across the political spectrum who can approach issues with common sense, not along political party lines. We need people wanting to take Auckland forward, to make decisions with Auckland’s best interests in mind.”
Mayor Brown adds the right balance has been struck with the new leadership mix.
“My thanks to Desley Simpson for her ongoing leadership—both as Deputy Mayor and Chair of Value for Money, lead councillor for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and champion for arts and culture. She has taken a mentorship role with our newer councillors, and I want to acknowledge—Victoria Short, Sarah Paterson-Hamlin, and Matt Winiata who are already making strong contributions.”
He says the next two years will be shaped by pragmatism, perspective, wisdom and good judgement, in the best interests of Aucklanders.
“There are two years left of this council term. I won’t be restanding, but I am going to make sure Auckland and this council are in a much better shape than when I walked through the door.”
Deputy mayor Simpson said she was delighted for Councillor Short to be rewarded with her new role.
"I've done too good of a job mentoring Victoria, but I'm confident she will do a great job with the Budget and Performance Committee. I'm also really happy to get an independent third eye, external member on our Value for Money Committee, to demonstrate to Aucklanders that we approach this seriously.”
The New Committee Structure
The updated governance structure reallocates roles across the Governing Body to align skills with council priorities:
Transport & ARTC Members: Councillor Shane Henderson and Councillor Andy Baker have been appointed as Auckland Council’s representatives on the new Auckland Regional Transport Committee (ARTC). Mayor Brown will also join the ARTC for the first three months. Councillor Maurice Williamson stays on the Auckland Transport Board as an observer, alongside Councillor Shane Henderson, and will likely replace the Mayor after his three-month stint on the ARTC. The new Transport Infrastructure and Delivery Subcommittee (which will be created as a result of transport reform governance changes) will be chaired by Councillor Shane Henderson with Councillor Andy Baker as Deputy Chair.
Audit & Risk Committee: Councillor Maurice Williamson is appointed Deputy Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee.
Budget & Performance Committee: Councillor Victoria Short takes over as Chair of Budget & Performance, leveraging her professional accounting background. Councillor Sayers will sit alongside her as the Deputy of Budget & Performance and will lead local board engagement.
Local Board Funding Review: Councillor Greg Sayers has been tasked with presenting a sustainable path forward for local board funding ahead of the LTP 2027–2037. "We need a model that doesn't simply throw ratepayer cash at the issue in the hope it goes away," Mayor Brown said.
Sport & Recreation: Councillor Matt Winiata is appointed Lead Councillor for Sport and Recreation, championing Council's relationship across more than 800 sports facilities region-wide.
Value for Money Committee: Led by Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, the committee will add an independent, non-voting member to provide objective scrutiny, with Councillor Matt Winiata stepping into the Deputy Chair role.
Community Committee: Councillor Paterson-Hamlin will take up the Deputy Chair role for Community Committee bringing significant experience from the not-for-profit sector.
Regulatory & Safety Committee: Councillor Lotu Fuli will take up the Deputy Chair role for Regulatory & Safety Committee.
Remuneration & Governance
The changes in committee responsibilities involve a minor reallocation of the existing $2,790,334 governance remuneration pool, with no increase to overall cost.