New governance structure for Porirua City Council

Mayor Mike Tana today announced the appointment of the Deputy Mayor, committee Chairs and a new committee structure for Porirua City Council, following the inauguration ceremony of the new council last night (Wednesday 25 October) at Pātaka.

“I’m happy to confirm Izzy Ford has accepted my offer of the role of Deputy Mayor for Porirua City,” said Mayor Mike Tana.

“Izzy brings a wealth of skills and experience to the role, and I’m very much looking forward to working closely and collaboratively with her,” he said.

“As a Samoan, Izzy represents a large part of our community in a way that inspires and unites people. She’s also represented New Zealand at the highest level in her sporting career, which brings another dimension to her role as Deputy Mayor.”

Deputy Mayor Izzy Ford is honoured to be appointed to the role. “To be re-elected was very humbling, but to be acknowledged by the new Mayor Mike Tana, who has come in with a fresh perspective is fantastic – not only for myself, but also for the ward who gave me the mandate. I’m looking forward to working with this new group of people. It’s an exciting time for Porirua,” she said.
Mayor Mike is equally pleased with the appointments of Anita Baker and ‘Ana Coffey, who will respectively Chair the new City Delivery and City Direction committees. These two committees will replace the one Te Komiti.

“Because I, and seven of the 10 councillors are new to Porirua City Council, I decided the Deputy Mayor, and the Chairs of the City Direction and City Delivery Committees would provide a strong team to lead the Council,” he said.

“I am grateful for the balance of experience, skills and unique perspectives that Izzy, Anita and ‘Ana bring to the table. The new council is a diverse mix of cultures and we have an even split of men and women around the table, as well as young and older councillors – they are a true representation of our community,” said Mayor Mike.

“The new committee structure is designed to ensure the business of the Council is managed efficiently and effectively. The creation of two standing committees of the whole Council (City Direction Committee and City Delivery Committee) will ensure that all councillors are involved in the direction setting, policy matters and the significant operational matters. Those matters not requiring the oversight of all councillors have been delegated to smaller committees that meet less regularly,” Mayor Mike said.

The City Direction Committee is responsible for the main strategic, planning and reporting functions of the Council. This includes setting strategic directions and priorities for the city; preparing the Long-term Plan, Annual Plan and Annual Report and overseeing the council’s asset management plans and property portfolio.

City Direction Committee Chair Anita Baker said she was pleased to be leading the City Delivery committee which will be focus on getting things done in the city.

“Parks, village planning, economic development and the district plan all need to be progressed. I am lucky to have Ross Leggett as my deputy chair – he is as committed as I am to making progress and showing positive results,” Councillor Baker said.

The City Delivery Committee is responsible for implementing the Council’s strategic direction and priorities through the development of policies and plans, reviewing the District Plan and overseeing the Council’s operations.

The City Direction Committee Chair ‘Ana Coffey acknowledged past work and is focussed on the future. “I’m looking forward to building on some of the good work the Council has previously done, and working with the new people at the table, particularly the Deputy Chair of the Committee, Kylie Wihapi,” she said.

The other smaller committees and their Chairs are:
· the Audit and Risk Management Committee – Dame Beverley Wakem
· the Chief Executive’s Employment Committee – Councillor Dale Williams
· the Grants, Awards and Events Sub-Committee – Councillor Izzy Ford
· the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Landfill Joint Committee – ‘Ana Coffey (to be confirmed at the first meeting)
· Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and Catchment Joint Committee – Anita Baker (to be confirmed at the first meeting)
· the District Licensing Committee – Councillor John Burke with Councillor Dale Williams as alternate.

As new councillors become more familiar with the functions and processes of the Council it may be appropriate for some mid-triennium changes to the councillors’ responsibilities.

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