CCOs will need to work for the community

Mayor Len Brown has reacted to the government’s announcement on council controlled organisations (CCOs) by saying the organisations will need to be made to work in the interests of local communities.

“Many people in the community are still wary about CCOs and are worried they will remove the ability of local people to influence their decisions. We cannot let this happen,” says Len Brown.

“As the government has now established its CCO model. We need to make them work in the interest of local communities.

“I have campaigned on making the CCOs more open and accountable to Aucklanders by: rigorous statements of intent that include key performance indicators, regular monthly meetings with the mayor, open lines of communication, the publication of board agendas prior to meetings and, unless absolutely necessary, the requirement for boards to hold open meetings and publish draft board minutes as soon as practically possible after the meeting.

“I have argued against the establishment of the Transport CCO, because I’m not confident it’s the best strcture to run out the mayor and council’s vision for transport, and I’ve pledged to review of the statutory Transport CCO after two years if I am not satisfied it is working well, with the option of promoting legislation to amend or repeal it.

“I am comfortable with the establishment of CCOs where there is a demonstrative need for corporate governance. I will, however, keep a watching brief on the operations of a number of the proposed CCOs, such as Waterfront Development and economic development, where their activities are closely related to the activity of the council.

“I want to make sure there are no double-ups in activity between the CCOs and the council. And I do not want to see CCOs taking on too many policy or governance functions, which should be left to the democratically elected members.

“I disagreed with Rodney Hide appointing the initial directors of the CCO. This should be left up to the new council. I intend to make sure the directors are appointed on merit and are committed to working in the interest of local communities.

“In the end it will be up to us to make this new strcture work for all of Auckland.

ENDS

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