Crown Observer appointed to Wellington Council

Monday, 11 November 2024

Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as the Crown Observer to Wellington City Council.

McKenzie will begin his role on November 13 and will finish up on July 31, 2025.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said McKenzie came with senior leadership experience in local government.

Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as the Crown Observer to Wellington City Council.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown made the announcement on Monday afternoon.

McKenzie is the former Chief Executive Officer of both Tasman District Council and Gisborne District Council.

In 2020, he was appointed to Invercargill City Council as an advisor to help address and strengthen that council’s governance.

His appointment followed concerns raised by the Department of Internal Affairs about conflict at the council.

During his time at Invercargill City Council, McKenzie attended council meetings and offered advice.

Speaking about the appointment, Brown said McKenzie came with significant governance and senior leadership experience in local government.

“When Invercargill City Council was facing governance issues, Mr McKenzie was called upon as an external appointee to support its governance performance improvement programme. 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,” Brown said.

“Mr McKenzie will provide the support and advice necessary to assist the Council as it delivers an amended Long-Term Plan that works for the city, its ratepayers, and communities,” Brown added.

Brown made the decision to appoint a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council on October 22 after concerns were raised about the council’s ability to manage their long term plan amendment and adoption process.

Brown said the decision to appoint an observer was not one he made lightly, but in his view the Council was facing significant challenges in its ability to deliver services while balancing its debt and insurance obligations.

“My assessment is that the financial and behavioural challenges facing the Council represent a significant problem as set out in Part 10 of the Local Government Act 2002.”

Brown added that the Crown Observer will better enable the Council to address their problems and allow him to monitor their progress in doing so.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau had previously said the decision to appoint an observer to the Council could be a good thing and that she intends to work with the appointee in a constructive way.

The Crown Observer will not have a decision-making role and will not be involved in decision-making, other than offering guidance or advice.

The Council will be required to cooperate with the Crown Observer so that the Terms of Reference can be fulfilled.

Wellington City Council will be responsible for the costs of the appointment, including the Crown Observer’s remuneration and expenses.

McKenzie’s role will commence on November 13 and will run until July 31, 2025, or earlier of appropriate.