New governance model for Manukau City Council

Improved council leadership, accountability and responsiveness are key elements of a reorganisation of the governance structure at Manukau City Council, which has done away with monthly committee meetings, replacing them with more frequent meetings of the council as a “committee of the whole.”



The new structure was approved by an extraordinary meeting of the council today (Tuesday 30 October, 2007).



Mayor of Manukau Len Brown says the changes are of real significance to the way the council will govern the affairs of the city, which will see the whole council meet as a Policy and Activities Committee once a week for three weeks of each month.



In another change, reflecting the move toward council governance as a full-time commitment for elected members, the Policy and Activities Committee meetings will commence at 9.30am; only the monthly full council meeting will retain its traditional time slot of 5pm.



“I believe the new structure will ensure that all issues and decisions are given an across-the-board approach rather than being confined to the perspective of just one committee,” Mr Brown says. “For example, the provision of transportation would previously have been considered by a Transport Committee, but transport can have community, economic and environmental impacts. By these issues being considered by a committee-of-the-whole, we ensure a wider and more inclusive focus that considers and balances all of the city’s needs.



“This committee-as-a-whole structure provides an opportunity for much stronger political leadership on the policy and strategic directions of the council and will also hold the organisation much more accountable. It is also a reflection of a much more inclusive council with a focus on broader leadership from the mayor and councillors.”



Mr Brown says improved responsiveness will be another outcome of the new structure.



“Monthly committee meetings limited how quickly council was able to respond, especially to rapidly developing issues. By meeting as a Policy and Activities Committee three times in each month, we can bring any issue forward as it arises, instead of having to wait up to a month for a committee to meet.”



The regular scrutiny by all councillors will also enhance public accountability, Mr Brown says, as will a decision to give councillors greater opportunities for leadership by appointing “portfolio leaders” for specific areas of council activities.



Portfolio leaders’ responsibilities include being the public representative of council in their areas of responsibility, and working with staff in their areas of policy development. Portfolio areas, which align with the council’s Long Term Council Community Plan and its Annual Plan, are: City Form and Environment, Safe City, Transport, Community Services and Thriving Economy.



“It must be remembered,” Mr Brown says, “that this council governs some $6 billion of assets and takes in some $350 million in income annually. This reorganisation recognises these facts and also recognises that it is no longer possible for elected members to govern Manukau under the old part time model. The new political structure reflects a stronger commitment of time from our councillors, working with myself as mayor to move Manukau forward.”



Key components of the new structure includes:

A Policy and Activities Committee comprising of the mayor and all councillors meeting once a week for three weeks each month
An Environmental Hearings Committee to deal with hearings related to environmental matters and enforcement issues
A Tiriti o Waitangi Committee which will continue to be a combination of councillors and appointed Maori representatives
A subcommittee to deal with grants
A Tenders Panel to deal with contracts
Weekly forums to deal with information-only items, presentations of a non-strategic nature - with the opportunity for public attendance - as well as to provide for informal workshopping
An Accountability and Performance Committee meeting quarterly to receive and consider reports on performance against the Annual Plan
Five Portfolio Leaders to provide leadership and represent council in their respective areas.