Mayor Stuart Crosby will be speaking with councillors on Monday over the decision to hire what detractors are calling a ‘spin doctor' for the city mayor.

Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout says the new role being advertised for TCC is not a spin doctor.

Stuart returns to the office on Monday following a two week tour of Tauranga's Asian sister cities.

'It was happening on the verge of him leaving,” says deputy mayor Kelvin Clout today.

'It hasn't been in the pipeline for long, it has been a relatively new initiative.”

The council isn't looking for a ‘spin doctor' says Kelvin.

'It's more of an in-depth research analyst rather than a spin doctor. That's not the objective of the role.”

Tauranga is the sixth largest city in New Zealand, soon to be the fifth largest city, and with growth it is bringing a number of challenges and opportunities, says Kelvin.

'For us to make the best sort of decisions we can, what we are looking at is someone who can do a lot of the background research and dig a lot deeper than we can just do ourselves, in terms of figuring out what's happening in other parts of New Zealand on the key strategic issues and also what's happening overseas.

'That's really what the role is, primarily for Stuart of course, but I might have some access as well. He's wanting me to do more of the day-to-day civic duties, which I'm up for, and then that frees him up to tackle some of these big strategic issues. That's the person who will be assisting him.”

The Mayor's office currently has 1.5 people working as PA for both the Mayor and CEO Garry Poole. But that's an administrative function and there is no research component, says Kelvin.

He has no contact with council communications staff and doesn't know if they could also fulfil the research role.

The job description for ‘executive officer-mayoral suite' is to provide high level advisory support services to the Mayoral Suite in relation to a wide variety of council matters, such as community engagement, relationship management, economic development and process excellence.

The applicant needs the skills to maintain a proactive awareness of any issues within our community, the Bay of Plenty and nationally – and to be that 'step ahead” at all times.

The job also entails seeking to identify opportunities to enhance the profile of Tauranga City Council's Mayoral Suite and contribute to ensure the new city vision is successfully imbued within the community.

Requirements are someone who can combine political and financial acumen, with excellent interpersonal relationship building skills and effective communication skills, enabling them to work effectively with a wide range of people.

Strong analytical and written skills, astute problem solving ability and advanced negotiation and influencing skills are desired. Also wanted is experience within a strong political environment, political nous and an ability to maintain tact confidentiality and discretion at all times. Salary is commensurate with experience. Applications close 9am, April 11.

The job advertisement has been slammed by former city councillor Murray Guy, who is labelling the position as a spin doctor and back watcher for the Mayor at ratepayers' expense.

He says the Mayor should resign.

'You don't put your hand up and say I'm a mayor with 27 years' experience and I'm going to lead you in a new direction and a new path and great vision and stuff, and then turn round and spend $150,000 to fill the gaps that you can't.

'You have either got the skills for the job. If you haven't got the skills for it, don't apply. You sure as hell don't go and deny kids a library bus at their school just so you can enjoy the benefit.”

The job description says report to the mayor and make the mayoral suite look good, says Murray.

For every dollar spent on wages, there is at least 50 cents spent on associated costs, says Murray – on office, technology, phone, a secretary.

'The guy's got a $350,000 CEO, 500 staff. He's got a multi-million dollar communications department. How much advice does he need? How many people does he need to do research?

'How are we to consider the draft annual plan and all its proposing, when the Mayor hasn't even shared with us his vision. Because the annual plan expenditure should be lining up with that vision.

'We were promised it in February. I'm really frustrated. There's absolutely nothing in there that suggests any positive outcome for the community.”