Media Release
10 April 2006
Six senior managers have been appointed to Manukau City Council’s new executive leadership team.
The new team is a combination of two existing staff and four newcomers.
Leigh Auton, who took over as Chief Executive of Manukau City Council on 1 April, says he was extremely pleased with the
calibre of applicants for the roles of director, and is looking forward to 3 July when the new executive leadership team
will officially be in place.
Mr Auton says the team will build on the strengths of the past structure, and assist the Council as the needs of the
city change.
“Manukau is growing and evolving, and as the city changes, so do the expectations placed on the Council.
“To manage the needs of our current and future residents, the Council – as an organisation – must be flexible and
accountable. We must develop in a sustainable manner, with systems and processes that not only support the work we do,
but help us achieve our goals.
As a Council, Manukau has been extremely effective and it is my desire to build on that success.”
Mr Auton says he is confident that the appointment of the new directors will put Manukau City Council in a strong
position to meet future challenges within the city.
“The leadership team as a whole comprises a wealth of experience, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. The external
appointments all have significant local government experience, with a blend of private sector experience, and will bring
a fresh approach into the organisation, whilst the internal appointments contribute institutional knowledge and an
indepth understanding of what it means to work for Manukau.”
The executive management team comprises
• Chief Executive: Leigh Auton
• Director – Strategy: Grant Taylor – currently Director Strategic Development, Manukau City Council. Grant is an
experienced director, who has held director roles at both Manukau and Auckland City Councils. He will greatly assist MCC
with long-term strategic planning and implementation
• Director - Organisational Performance: Robyn McCulloch – currently Manager, Business Performance, Manukau City
Council. Robyn has been with MCC since July 1999. She has extensive experience in the areas of quality process, business
improvement and procurement
• Director – Environment: Ree Anderson – currently Director Strategy and Policy, Rodney District Council. Ree has
over 20 years experience in environmental management and planning, including 10 years previously at MCC
• Director – Community: Ian Maxwell – currently Group Manager Implementation Planning at Auckland City Council.
Ian has an extensive background in local government with strong skills in strategy, policy, and service delivery
• Director – Economic: Rick Walden – currently General Manager Transport Services, North Shore City Council. Rick
has considerable experience in economic development, including transport and infrastructure, property development and
broader economic development. He has previously worked with Carter Holt Harvey
• Director – Finance: Dave Foster – currently Sector Manager, Local Government with the Office of the Auditor
General. Dave has considerable experience in financial management in local government, including experience at Wanganui
District Council. His strategic and implementation experience will be beneficial to MCC.
The new directors will be fully in place by 3 July, but will take part in planning days prior to that date.
ENDS