The Crown Observer to Wellington City Council has been named as Lindsay McKenzie. Photo: Supplied
The Crown Observer to Wellington City Council has been named as Lindsay McKenzie.
He will start on Wednesday, concluding his term on 31 July next year.
Wellington City Council had been facing "significant challenges" in delivering services to its community, local government minister Simeon Brown said, while balancing its debt and insurance obligations.
"The decision to appoint a Crown Observer was not one that I took lightly, however, my assessment is that the financial and behavioural challenges facing the council represent a significant problem.
"I have decided a Crown Observer is necessary to better enable Wellington City Council to address their problems and allow me to monitor their progress in doing so."
McKenzie was the former CEO of Tasman District Council and Gisborne District Council.
He had 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 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."
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau earlier said her council would work collaboratively with the government after it decided to appoint a Crown Observer.
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