V8 audit report actions continue

Hamilton City Council is continuing to take action following the Audit NZ report into its handling of the V8 Supercars event, with it’s Deputy Chief Executive being demoted for his role in the event.

Council Chief Executive Barry Harris today (Dec. 21) announced DCE Blair Bowcott will be demoted from Deputy Chief Executive to General Manager Performance, from 1 January 2012.

Barry Harris says: “This action on my part acknowledges that as Council’s senior financial executive during this event, Blair had a duty to ensure Council was well informed of financial and performance issues relating to the event.

“Blair does accept some responsibility for the loss of confidence from Council and the community as a result of the findings of the Audit NZ report, and this outcome sees him taking personal responsibility for his part in that.”

There will be no appointment to the DCE role, with members of Council’s Senior Leadership Team acting as Chief Executive, as required.

Further changes following the Audit NZ report have seen a number of improvements recently made to Council’s financial management and reporting processes. An external financial executive will review these processes early next year to provide an independent view of them, along with additional expertise being sought to advise on internal audit issues.

“These recent actions and others undertaken before and since the Audit NZ report show that as a Council we are now committed to the very highest standards of public accountability as we work for the city in carrying out our civic duties.”