11 April 2016

New staff welcomed to refreshed Porirua City Council

Nine new staff were welcomed to Porirua City Council today bringing a wealth of experience and fresh approaches to delivering high-quality services to the people of Porirua.

A powhiri by Ngati Toa Rangatira and the Council was held at Takapuwahia Marae this morning.

Chief Executive Wendy Walker was appointed last September and part of her job since has involved a refresh of the Council’s leadership and organisational structure.

Ms Walker says rates affordability and the high-change external environment in the Wellington region and our need to attract people and businesses to Porirua were the strategic context for change.

“Porirua’s rates have been an ongoing challenge. The organisation needs to be lean and agile and operating at optimum efficiency so we can reduce costs while continuing investment in the city’s future.”

Nineteen roles have been disestablished with 20 new positions created. As a result of this change there will be less money spent on contractors. Of the new roles, 17 have been filled, eight of which were internal candidates.

“We tested the market for all the new roles to ensure Porirua had the best person in the job and it’s pleasing that many roles have been filled by internal applicants. We now have a good balance between staff with sound institutional knowledge and an injection of others with fresh ideas and approaches.”

Under the new structure the Executive Leadership Team reduces from five General Managers to four.

New on board are Tamsin Evans as Chief Operating Officer and James Jefferson as General Manager Policy Planning and Regulatory.
Tamsin brings with her nearly 20 years’ local government experience. Most recently she was Group Manager Community Services and Deputy Chief Executive at Kapiti Coast District Council and before that at Capacity (now Wellington Water) and Wellington City Council.
While at KCDC, Tamsin led the development of the new Coastlands Aquatic Centre. The $21m project was thrown a massive curveball when Mainzeal went bankrupt six weeks before the scheduled completion date. But despite this the construction costs were kept within budget and delays were kept to a minimum.

James has an extensive background in both central and local government with experience in the regulatory area in Auckland Council, Franklin District Council and Tauranga City Council. His last role was Area Manager for the Ministry of Justice looking after service delivery in the Auckland Metropolitan Courts.

Other new staff welcomed today include Darryn Grant Manager City Growth; Lynlee Baily Manager Democratic Services; Julian Emeny Manager Contracts and Operations; Robyn Steele Manager City Partnerships; Stephen Flude Senior Advisor Partnerships; Justine McDermott Senior Advisor Partnerships; and Abbie McKoy City Centre Coordinator.

ends

© Scoop Media