Review and Observation Team members announced

Photo: File/SunLive.

Peter Winder, the chair of the independent Review and Observation Team appointed by Tauranga City Council, has announced the appointment of two team members – Basil Morrison CNZM, JP and Linda Smith CNZM.

The team's role is to review and report on the nature, extent and causes of issues between council elected members; set out an action plan to achieve improved governance performance; and monitor and report on progress to the council and chief executive.


Peter's appointment was confirmed following an extraordinary council meeting on September 2, where he was empowered to select up to two further members who would 'contribute to an effective, multi-skilled team”.

'I believe Basil and Linda have an ideal blend of experience and skills to help the Review and Observer Team deliver on its goal of assisting council elected members to address their governance issues,” Peter says.

'The Department of Internal affairs has asked that the council provide evidence that it is taking steps to restore trust and confidence in its ability to function as a high-performing council and we look forward to working with all elected members to find a positive way forward.”

Basil Morrison brings significant public and private sector governance experience to his new role.

He is a current member of the Waitangi Tribunal and chairman of the New Zealand Local Government Superannuation Board of Trustees.

A past long-serving Mayor of the Hauraki District, Basil was president of Local Government New Zealand from 2000 to 2008. He has also served as chairman of both the Local Government Commission and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum.

Linda Tuhiwai Te Rina Smith (Ngati Awa, Ngati Porou) is Professor of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato.

Linda has held numerous leadership roles in research and tertiary education facilities.

Her work is internationally recognised and amongst many honours, she received the Prime Minister's Lifetime Achievement Award for Education in 2017, and the Royal Society of NZ Te Puawaitanga Award for Research Excellence in Te Ao Maori and Indigenous Knowledge in 2018.

Peter says the team's initial focus will be to discuss and decide upon the approach required to deliver on the objectives set out in its terms of reference and then to meet and engage with the Mayor and Councillors.

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8 comments

SO the FOX (TCC - CEO)

Posted on 07-09-2020 20:02 | By The Caveman

appoints the CHICKENS for the hen house, and ratepayers are expected to accept and get a independent report. Sorry NO disrespect to the three people "selected" BUT who is paying your fees - the TCC CEO.


Who is paying this Powell?

Posted on 08-09-2020 06:34 | By Slim Shady

Why are they still on full pay? They should pay for this from their inflated salaries. They cannot behave. They do not follow democratic process. Now babysitters are needed to teach them. Why should I pay for this? If you are not capable of some basic behaviours you should either pay for it yourself or just go. Disgraceful. Corrupt.


There was a time...

Posted on 08-09-2020 11:10 | By morepork

...when this unhappy mob of Councilors would be set in the stocks in the heart of the CBD, so the rest of us could show our disapproval by chucking rotten vegetables at them. Instead, we see them staying true to form and making a project out of their enforced correction. They SHOULD be paying for their own babysitters, but they won't. They actually get to decide who will "mind" them, and they use our money to pay for it. They don't need minders, they need to GO, and it is quite shocking to see the total lack of moral fibre and integrity that keeps them hanging on. Can it get any more ludicrous?


Why would you run?

Posted on 08-09-2020 11:22 | By morepork

The latest turn of events made me think about the reasons that people run for office. Is it desire to be noticed, to have authority, power, money? What if somebody was really concerned to get proper governance for the City, to protect the interests of the Ratepayers, the Citizens, and the community, and make our city a place to be envied by the rest of the country? Would these higher ideals gradually be corrupted by the lesser ones I mentioned? Being a good Administrator is not enough by itself. You need to be a good Human Being with a straight approach, honesty and integrity. You need to put your obligations ahead of your own interest, and get satisfaction from knowing you are serving. It's no wonder such people are hard to find. Maybe it's time... "Morepork for Mayor!"


Unbelievable

Posted on 08-09-2020 13:49 | By Yadick

I cannot believe our Council has come down to this. It's not just Mayor Col. Tenby Powell. It's a bunch of them. I NEVER thought this would happen under the leadership of this Mayor. So, so disappointing. They got the power on (false) promises, gave themselves a decent pay rise, and then crushed us. With leadership comes great responsibility and it comes from the top . . . It's time for all of you to shape up or ship out. We should not be paying your rehabilitation fees. ABSOLUTELY APPALLED.


Hear, hear

Posted on 08-09-2020 18:11 | By Yadick

MOREPORK FOR MAYOR. I said that months ago Morepork . . . and I was serious.


I love acronyms

Posted on 09-09-2020 12:10 | By Centurion

Review and Observation Team? ROT? I think the rot has well and truly set in at TCC. So, since councillors can't do their jobs without adult supervision, how about RET? Reject and Eradicate Them.


@Yadick

Posted on 09-09-2020 13:52 | By morepork

I appreciate your vote of confidence , thanks. Originally, I felt that I just didn't have time to do the job of Council properly and so couldn't apply. But as the situation has deteriorated (just like many other people) I started thinking about what can be done. We are desperately in need of good quality people who genuinely care about the city and the community and are not just looking for a sinecure or ego-stroking. I made the "Morepork for Mayor!" statement with tongue in cheek, but things are so dreadful at the moment I am beginning to reconsider. However, Morepork doesn't have to be me; I'm sure we have many Moreporks in our community and I hope some of them will step up for the next elections, even if I don't.


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