Michael Barnett Appointed to Local Government Efficiency Taskforce
Local Government Minister David Carter has announced an independent taskforce to help build greater efficiency within the local government framework.
The eight-member taskforce is one of the initiatives outlined in the Better Local Government reform programme announced earlier this year.
“The Local Government Efficiency Taskforce will focus on improvements to local government consultation, planning and financial reporting requirements and practices,” says Mr Carter.
“This will feed into the broader reform programme which aims to provide clarity around the role of councils, stronger governance and improved efficiency and financial management.”
The Taskforce will be chaired by Auckland environmental and public law specialist, Michael Holm. Other members are Kerry Prendergast, former Mayor of Wellington; Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Bill Bayfield, Chief Executive of Environment Canterbury; Stephen Parry, Chief Executive of Gore District Council; Pamela Peters, former Mayor of Whangarei; Debbie Packer, former Deputy Mayor of South Taranaki District Council; and Vanessa van Uden, Mayor of Queenstown Lakes.
“The wealth of experience of the Taskforce members, as elected representatives and at governance level, will be an asset in building a more efficient local government sector and helping to improve the legislative framework for New Zealand’s 78 councils,” says Mr Carter.
The Taskforce will report to the Minister at the end of October.
Members of Local Government Efficiency Taskforce
Michael Holm (Chair) Lawyer from Auckland specialising in environmental and public law (including advising on local government matters). A founding partner of Atkins Holm Majurey, and previously a partner at Russell McVeagh. Michael was a member of the 2008 Technical Advisory Group advising on Phase One of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) reforms. He chaired the 1997 Reference Group on the RMA, and provided advice to the Government on the local government reforms of 1980’s.
Kerry Prendergast Mayor of Wellington from 2001 to 2010, Vice President of Local Government New Zealand from 2005 to 2010, and formerly Deputy Mayor and Councillor for 15 years. Kerry is currently Chair of the Environmental Protection Authority Board. In 2011 Kerry received a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in honour of her work done for local government and the community.
Michael Barnett Chief Executive of Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Director of both the Auckland Chamber and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce & Industry. He is involved in a number of other bodies, including as Chair of the Local Government Forum. Michael is a previous Auckland Regional Councillor, and became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2011 for his services to business.
Bill Bayfield Chief Executive of Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) and prior to this, Chief Executive of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Bill has also held many other roles in local government, including in planning and operations, working for the Taranaki Regional Council and its predecessor for 22 years.
Stephen Parry Chief Executive of the Gore District Council, and prior to this, Mayor of Waitomo District. He is former National President and Otago/Southland President of the New Zealand Society of Local Government Managers. Stephen has also been involved in a number of voluntary and community roles, including as a member of the Eastern Southland Chamber of Commerce.
Pamela Peters Consultant based in Auckland and an independent Resource Management Act 1991 Commissioner. Pamela was the Mayor of Whangarei from 2004 to 2007 and a former Deputy Mayor and District Councillor for nine years.
Debbie Packer (Ngāti Ruanui and Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi). Over 20 years’ management experience including in Māori development and local government. Debbie is a former Deputy Mayor of the South Taranaki District Council. Her current roles include Director-Chair of Ngāti Ruanui Holdings Limited, an iwi investment company.
Vanessa van Uden Mayor of Queenstown Lakes, a former Councillor, and former council contract manager. Vanessa is actively involved in the Queenstown community, including as a member of the St John Wakatipu Area Committee and as a Trustee of the Queenstown Trails and Branches Trusts.
For further information, including Terms of Reference, http://www.dia.govt.nz/Better-Local-Government