Tauranga City Council has adopted a revised version of its policy that defines the appointment of directors to Council Controlled Organisations.

The key changes to the policy will enable Council to increase diversity across its CCO boards; build stronger relationships to local iwi; be more involved in the appointment process; and continuously improve its processes to meet standards of best practice.

The new policy will come into play with Tourism Bay of Plenty's recruitment of two new trustees, commencing on July 1.

The policy review provided an opportunity to determine best practice by looking at the policies of other authorities in New Zealand, and the policies and appointment information of central government in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Chair of the CCO working group, Councillor Max Mason, emphasises the value of the amendments to the appointment process.

'The appointment of directors and trustees to our Council Controlled Organisations is one of the most important roles Council has to ensure agreed outcomes towards an internationally competitive city are effectively delivered on.

'It's another step in cultivating the good relationship between Council and its CCOs. Appointing highly qualified, diverse and experienced directors and trustees helps to set each CCO up for future success.

"The updated policy reflects Council's commitment to encouraging diversity of gender, skills, thought and culture on its CCO boards, creating opportunities for a diverse range of people to contribute to decision-making processes across Council.

'For example, Council may consider the appointment of a director or trustee with strong connections to local iwi and hapu to each CCO board.

"The Tangata Whenua Collective's nomination process can help support this and has been designed to ensure that appointments are made on the basis of the contribution and value appointees can bring to the organisation through their experience and expertise.”

To ensure all CCOs deliver towards a higher standard of living for all, Council will now have more involvement in the appointment process, with two Elected Members on the appointment panel.

In addition, chairs of each CCO will be responsible for ensuring their directors and trustees undertake ongoing professional development.

Bay Venues Limited (BVL), Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (TAGT) and Tourism Bay of Plenty (TBOP) are Council Controlled Organisations. Council appoints directors to the board of BVL and trustees to the board of the TAGT.

Council jointly appoints trustees for the TBOP board with Western Bay of Plenty District Council.