31 May 2010
MEDIA RELEASE
Auckland Council executive team appointments

The first senior appointments reporting to the Interim Chief Executive of the Auckland Council were announced today (Monday) by the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA). They are:

Chief Operating Officer: Patricia Reade, who is currently Deputy Chief Executive (responsible for Work and Income) at the Ministry of Social Development.

Chief Planning Officer: Dr Roger Blakeley. He is currently the Chief Executive at Porirua City Council.

Chief Financial Officer: Andrew McKenzie, who is currently General Manager of Auckland City Council’s finance division.

General Counsel: Wendy Brandon, who until recently was Legal Counsel for the Ministry of Health.

Manager Risk and Assurance: Natalie Verdouw, currently the National Audit Manager for FirstMac Ltd (Australia).

Manager Communications and Public Affairs: Shelley Watson, who is General Manager of Marketing and Communications at the Auckland Regional Transport Authority.

Manager Civil Defence and Emergency Management: Clive Manley. He is a consultant specialising in civil defence emergency management and is currently the Northland Group Controller and Chairman of the Northland Co-ordinating Executive Group.  

In announcing the appointments, ATA executive chairman Mark Ford said there was a high level of interest in the positions and the successful appointees came through an extremely competitive process. There is mix of local government and outside experience.

The roles will report directly to Doug McKay, Interim Chief Executive designate of the Auckland Council.

Mr McKay said: “This is a diverse, dynamic, group of professionals who are outstanding in their individual fields. Each of them is driven by wanting to be part of the most significant transformation of any organisation, ever, in New Zealand. Without exception the candidates want to make a difference to Auckland and to New Zealand, given how important the city is to our country.

“Establishing and building the Auckland Council is a hugely exciting challenge and together with Council staff and elected members I know we are going to deliver great results for the people of Auckland.”

Individuals’ start dates will range from August to November and further appointment announcements will be made.

Ends

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