Dunedin City Council Proposes Governance Overhaul to Improve Leadership

Dunedin City Council is set to implement a significant restructuring aimed at enhancing its governance and strategic focus. Proposed changes, expected to be approved on March 15, 2024, will replace the council’s traditional committee framework with a new portfolio model for councillors to champion key issues. This shift is part of Mayor Sophie Barker‘s plan to foster a more collaborative and effective leadership environment within the council.

In outlining her vision, Barker stated, “My intent is to strengthen the council’s governance and strategic focus, provide greater clarity on how we operate, and ensure all elected members can contribute meaningfully to the leadership of our city.” The proposed reforms also include a flat pay structure for councillors, which Barker believes will reflect a balanced distribution of responsibilities and promote equity among council members.

Key Changes to Committee Structure

The new structure will see council meetings held more frequently, with all councillors assigned to two main committees: policy and planning, and finance and performance. Additionally, the existing Te Pae Māori will be elevated to a formal standing committee. Other committees will include the hearings committee, chaired by Cr Lucas, the chief executive performance and employment committee, and the audit, risk, and assurance committee, led by independent appointee Warren Allen.

The restructuring will eliminate several existing committees, such as infrastructure services and economic development, which may limit opportunities for some councillors to take on chairing roles. Instead, they will have the opportunity to influence decisions through the new portfolio system. This approach aims to enhance advocacy efforts and engagement with community partners while promoting leadership development among councillors.

Barker has appointed several councillors to lead specific portfolios. Jules Radich will head the infrastructure portfolio, with Cr Lee Vandervis serving as the deputy. Other notable appointments include Cr Marie Laufiso, leading the Hau Ora health and wellbeing portfolio, and Cr Steve Walker, who will oversee the environment and youth portfolio.

Remuneration and Representation Responsibilities

As part of the proposed changes, the council will also consider setting the annual remuneration for the deputy mayor at $145,008, while other councillors would receive $99,340 annually. The mayor’s salary will be determined separately by the Remuneration Authority.

Each councillor will be assigned representation responsibilities across 39 outside organisations, pending city council approval. These roles will cover a range of tasks, from deciding on alcohol license applications to evaluating heritage fund requests. The proposed appointments are also set to be approved on March 15.

Highlighted appointments to outside organisations include Cr Christine Garey for the Creative Dunedin Partnership, Cr Mandy Mayhem for the Disability Issues Advisory Group, and Cr Doug Hall among others for various committees. The distribution of responsibilities aims to ensure that all councillors contribute effectively to the council’s strategic priorities while maintaining awareness of relevant community issues.

With these proposed changes, the Dunedin City Council is taking steps to redefine its governance approach, focusing on strategy, oversight, and overall council performance. The outcome of the council meeting on March 15 will determine the future direction of local governance in Dunedin.