Tory Whanau talks project cuts, Wellington’s Crown Observer with Nick Mills [Video]

Lindsay McKenzie has been appointed as Wellington City Council’s Crown observer. 

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said McKenzie has significant governance and senior leadership experience. 

McKenzie’s term will last until July next year. 

Wellington City Council’s Crown observer will be on the job tomorrow after the Government revealed the man tasked with sorting out “the shambles”. 

Lindsay McKenzie, the former chief executive of Tasman District Council and Gisborne District Council, has agreed to take on the role. 

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau told Newstalk ZB’s Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills there had been better collaboration at the council in the past couple of weeks. 

”When the Minister was contemplating government intervention, I think that kind of gave everyone a bit of a fright. The last thing the council wanted was a commissioner”, she said. 

Whanau said she wasn’t surprised when the Government decided to appoint a Crown observer. 

”I wouldn’t say relief, just kind of like acceptance that this …