Photo source: Travel and Leisure
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced the appointment of Lindsay McKenzie as the Crown Observer for Wellington City Council.
McKenzie, a former chief executive of Tasman and Gisborne district councils, will serve a seven-month term effective November 13, 2024, according to Brown.
“He [McKenzie] has significant governance and senior leadership experience in local government,” Brown said.
“When Invercargill City Council was facing governance issues, Mr. McKenzie was called upon as an external appointee to support its governance performance improvement program.”
“He also has strong financial acumen, which is reflected in his current appointment as an independent member of the Nelson City Council audit, risk, and finance committee.”
McKenzie will offer the necessary support and guidance to help the Council implement a revised long-term plan that benefits the city, its ratepayers, and local communities.
Brown also remarked: “Wellington City Council is facing significant challenges in delivering services to its community while balancing its debt and insurance obligations. The decision to appoint a Crown Observer was not one that I took lightly.”
He also believes that the financial and behavioural issues facing the Council constitute a significant problem, as outlined in Part 10 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Determining a Crown Observer is essential to assist Wellington City Council in tackling these issues and overseeing their progress in doing so.