Directors for CCOs sought

Auckland Mayor-elect Len Brown is calling on Aucklanders to put themselves forward to serve as directors on the Boards of Auckland Council’s new Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs).

Advertisements for the positions have begun appearing in media outlets. The applicants will then be shortlisted by the Mayor-elect and appointments panel and confirmed by the full Council after it comes into being on 1 November.

“The establishment of the Auckland Council brings with it the requirement to appoint up to 15 new directors to six of the new CCOs,” says Len Brown.

“I want to see directors from different backgrounds, with a broad range of experiences and with strong links to their community.

“In selecting these directors, I am leading a more transparent process. We want people who will look after the community’s interests and make sure the new CCOs are delivering for the region.”

The control of Auckland Council’s CCOs is vested in the Board with the confidence of the Auckland Council and through an annual Statement of Intent.

The Boards will be responsible for the strategic direction, approval of financial statements, business plans and other key strategic documents. These are to be aligned with the Mayor and Council’s strategic priorities and plans, for the betterment of Auckland’s diverse communities. “Auckland Council’s CCOs will play critical roles in creating a vibrant city that promotes the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of its communities,” says Len Brown.

“We are working quickly and efficiently to get the new Auckland Council established so Aucklanders can see the benefits of the amalgamation.

“I want those CCO directors who are appointed to help bring our region together and deliver out the vision and policies of the new Auckland Council,” says Len Brown.

Applications should be emailed to cvakl@sheffield.co.nz before Wednesday 3 November 2010.

The CCOs in question are:

Auckland Council Investments Limited This CCO will manage equity and financial investments of around $12 billion including investments in important regional infrastructure. These include equity holdings in Ports of Auckland, Auckland International Airport, Auckland Film studios and other financial investments.

Regional Facilities Auckland This CCO has been created to maximise the utilisation of the major regional facilities within Auckland through a high level of functional co-ordination and focus in relation to Auckland’s major venues and attractions. These include significant cultural, heritage and leisure facilities, indoor venues and stadiums. Acting as a Trust, this CCO will be commercially focused, managing assets valued at more than $900m and an annual operational budget of over $70 million.

Auckland Waterfront Development Agency This CCO will be responsible for the development of the Auckland Waterfront in line with the Council’s and community’s objectives and priorities for this distinct and significant space. Developing property; delivering high quality architecture, urban design and public space, and making Council landholdings more efficient will be key functions.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Limited This CCO will support and develop Auckland’s economic performance and international profile. With annual revenues of approximately $37 million and managing assets valued at $2.6m, it will be a consolidation of economic development units and trusts from the existing Council as well as Tourism Auckland and all visitor centres (including i-sites).

Auckland Council Property Limited This CCO will manage a $1billion portfolio of non service related and commercial property assets owned by Auckland Council in addition to bringing a commercial, market perspective to planning initiatives, and attracting private sector collaboration to Council projects. It will manage acquisition and disposal activity, manage key development projects, ensure appropriate returns on Council property, and will provide strategic and expert property advice to Auckland Council on property related matters.

Auckland Transport The purpose of Auckland Transport is to contribute to an effective and efficient land transport system, to support Auckland’s social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being. This CCO will replace the current nine separate Auckland transport entities and will be responsible for all local authority transport delivery functions in Auckland, including local roads and public transport in line with the Council’s objectives and priorities. Auckland Transport will provide the focus and continuity in decision-making needed to deliver a transport network that supports Auckland’s growth and economic success. It will work closely with the NZ Transport Agency which operates at a national level. The government and the current local authorities together provide about $1.5 billion per annum for Auckland transport.

ENDS

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