Two councillors have told RNZ they are pleased with the choice of Lindsay Mckenzie as Crown observer. Photo: Supplied
The rapport established with Wellington mayor Tory Whanau, councillors and senior staff will be key to sorting out the troubles at the council, the new Crown observer says.
Lindsay Mckenzie who has been the former chief executive of the Tasman and Gisborne District councils will start on Wednesday and stay in the role until July next year.
It comes after the government raised concerns about Wellington City Council's ability to manage changes to its Long Term Plan.
Crown Observer appointed to Wellington City Council
Mckenzie has followed the council's troubles through the media but has deliberately stayed "out of the engine room" in case he was called on.
In-fighting, councillors criticising each other and some walking out of meetings are among behaviours that have caused headlines at the Wellington council but Mckenzie doesn't believe the challenges are any greater than others he has tackled.
He approaches the job with "some trepidation" but having suffered some "war wounds" during his career he was confident of steering the council in the right direction.
"It's actually the quality of the relationship I develop with the mayor, her councillors and her officials that's going to make or break this engagement."
In the past he completed an 18-month role as an external observer for the Invercargill City Council, helped Kaipara council as it recovered from Cyclone Gabrielle and was on a committee that appointed Christchurch City Council's new chief executive.
"So I think I'm up there and prepared for the challenges."
Mckenzie does not expect to play a part in bringing about cultural change within the Wellington council environment, instead his ambition is to help the council get a compliant Long Term Plan across the line.
Iona Pannett Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
"And one that the councillors and the community are committed to - that's the priority."
He was hopeful he could help lay the groundwork for the changes the council needed.
"My role is one of advisory support and provision of information."
He will be required to report monthly to the Minister of Local Government.
Wellington City Councillor Iona Pannett said the Crown Observer appointed by the government has the experience to help the council sort out its problems.
She said she and her colleagues would benefit from having another pair of eyes overlooking their work.
"Mr McKenzie has a background in local government which will be helpful so he will understand the financial and political pressures which councillors are under."
Councillor Diane Calvert said she hoped the observer's presence will help improve the public's trust and confidence in the council's decisions.
"I hope we have a better environment for constructive conversations and debate and I think [it will] enable a bit more impartiality to come into our approach."
She said the observer was also expected to examine the transparency and timeliness of information provided to councillors.
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