Senior appointments to Auckland Council’s new CCOs

The appointments of chief executives to four newly-created council-controlled organisations (CCOs) of the Auckland Council have been announced today.

They include Michael Redman – the former mayor and current chief executive of Hamilton City Council – who will be the chief executive of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (TEED).

Announcing the appointment, TEED chairman David McConnell said Mr Redman had highly relevant experience in economic development, tourism and events.

“In his various roles Michael has been responsible for initiating and developing a variety of major events and projects that has been fundamental to Hamilton City’s high-profile brand. He has also demonstrated success in driving regional economic development, which is the focus of the new organisation. We are delighted to have attracted him to Auckland,” Mr McConnell said.

Michael Redman established and ran one of the largest privately-owned advertising and marketing agencies in New Zealand and has been a director of Innovation Waikato Ltd and Hamilton Riverview Hotels Ltd, a council member at the University of Waikato, a board member of Northern Districts Cricket Association and was the founding chairman of Hamilton Combined Foodbanks Trust. He was mayor of Hamilton from 2004 to 2007 when he resigned the position to become the Chief Executive.

Mr Redman said: “This is a unique and exciting opportunity and I am delighted to be part of a team that is committed to improving the economic performance of Auckland.”

The chief executive of the Auckland Waterfront Development Agency (AWDA) is John Dalzell, currently project director of Sea + City Projects Ltd- a wholly-owned subsidiary of Auckland Regional Holdings. Sea + City Projects Ltd will form part of the AWDA from 1 November.

Announcing the appointment, AWDA chairman Bob Harvey said: “Delivering a world class waterfront for Auckland is one of the most exciting and high-profile projects anywhere in the country and I am delighted that someone with John’s knowledge, skills, experience is able to take a leadership role. The board and I are looking forward to working closely with John and his team on this massive project.”

Mr Dalzell said: “We have one of the most stunning waterfronts in the world and our challenge, over time, will be to transform it into an internationally recognised urban waterfront environment. The key will be investing in projects and places that balance social, cultural and environment goals with commercially viable and sustainable projects. This change will be necessary for the waterfront in order to contribute its full potential to the Auckland and New Zealand economy.”

The chief executive of Auckland Council Investments Ltd (ACIL) is Gary Swift, currently chief financial officer at Watercare Services Ltd. He has extensive treasury and financial management experience and is a former member of both the board and the council of the NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants.

ACIL will manage Auckland Council investments of around $1.2 billion including large equity holdings in Ports of Auckland and Auckland International Airport.

Announcing the appointment, ACIL chairman Simon Allen said: “The management of these significant investments on behalf of the people of Auckland is crucial. It is a challenge that we (ACIL) are well geared to undertake with Gary leading our team.

Mr Swift said: “I am delighted to accept the appointment, which is a unique opportunity. I look forward to helping grow all of the investments in ACIL’s portfolio in order to provide a sound financial future for the council and in turn the people of Auckland.”

The interim chief executive of Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) will be John Brockies. Mr Brockies has been chief executive of the North Shore City Council for seven years. He has taken up the RFA role for six months (to April 2010). The search for a permanent appointment will continue.

RFA chairman Sir Don McKinnon said: “John has had direct experience in building and developing major public institutions, ranging from the arts and culture to performance and sporting facilities. He also has excellent relationships across the region and an understanding of facilities management that will be crucial in the establishment phase of this new organisation.”

Replacing Gary Swift as chief financial officer at Watercare will be Brian Monk. Mr Monk, the chief operating officer of the Auckland Regional Council, had previously been announced as the chief financial officer of Auckland Transport. The role of chief financial officer at Auckland Transport will be filled by Dave Foster, currently director finance at Manukau City Council.

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