Wayne Brown Rewards Trusted Councillors With Key Appointments
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has maintained key roles for councillors he depended on during his last term, in the newly elected Auckland Council. These appointments reflect a mix of political backgrounds, showing a largely non-partisan approach.
Councillors known for public disagreements with the mayor have been excluded from these roles.
Key Appointments
- Richard Hills from North Shore has been reappointed as chairman of the Policy and Planning Committee.
- Julie Fairey from Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa was appointed deputy chair, filling the vacancy left by Angela Dalton's retirement.
- Andy Baker from Franklin continues as chairman of the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee.
- Shane Henderson from Waitākere replaced Christine Fletcher from Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa as the deputy chair of that committee.
Committee Significance
These two committees are considered Mayor Brown’s major “committees of the whole.”
Their membership includes the mayor, all councillors, and two members from Houkura, the Independent Māori Statutory Board.
Most critical debates and key decisions take place during their meetings.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown at the inauguration ceremony for the new Auckland Council, held at the Auckland Town Hall on October 31. Photo / Dean Purcell
Analysis: Those with public disputes against the mayor appear to have been left out of important council roles.
Author’s summary: Mayor Wayne Brown has strategically assigned key council roles to trusted allies from diverse backgrounds, excluding those who opposed him publicly, to guide Auckland's major committees effectively.