Auckland Council has appointed Michael Barnett and Tania Winslade to be temporary independent observers for the Manurewa Local Board to advise on the board’s collective and governance performance.
The council’s Chief Executive Phil Wilson has worked with the local board’s chair to put observer support in place.
“We are appointing two observers – both with strong experience and complementary skills – to help the board navigate its way through the challenges they are currently facing.
“Our priority is enabling and supporting this board to continue to deliver its duties for the Manurewa community. The objective of appointing observers is to help ensure the board is operating effectively and able to execute its statutory governance, decision-making, leadership and representation purposes,” says Mr Wilson.
Manurewa Local Board Chair Heather Andrew welcomes the appointments and emphasises her full support for the process.
“The Manurewa Local Board continues to serve its communities and progress its work programme and other business as usual.
“I welcome the appointment of observers to help guide us and will work constructively throughout the process,” says Chair Andrew.
About the role
The observers do not replace any of the board’s responsibilities and are not involved in the board’s decision-making.
They will provide advice as necessary to help support the board’s capability to:
· operate effectively as a governance body
· manage relationships and disagreements constructively
· improve meeting and decision-making practices
· strengthen relationships between members and council staff
· identify and implement practical governance improvements.
The observers have a direct line to the chief executive and chair, and will provide them with updates and reporting. They are not there to investigate complaints or misconduct.
The observers will provide initial feedback on key themes and priorities, with further updates to outline progress, ongoing challenges, and recommendations (however this will be informed by the observers’ progress and that early feedback).
Reporting will focus on governance practices and collective performance rather than individuals.
They will take up their role on Monday 31 August.
About Michael Barnett CNZM
Michael Barnett CNZM is a director, business leader, and governance adviser with more than 30 years' experience leading complex organisations and working at the intersection of governance, business, and public policy. As former Chief Executive of the Auckland Business Chamber, he is a trusted adviser to boards, senior executives, government leaders, and stakeholders on strategy, organisational performance, and governance issues. He was also deputy chair of the Auckland Regional Council and brings extensive experience navigating complex relationships and facilitating constructive engagement.
About Tania Winslade
Tania Winslade is a chartered director, independent governance adviser, and disputes resolution lawyer with deep experience advising boards and executives in complex public-interest environments. She specialises in governance reviews, investigations, mediation, organisational change, and crisis leadership, including acting executive roles. Tania brings a strong understanding of public accountability, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and stakeholder engagement. Her previous roles at Auckland Council included Pou Whakarae (director) of Ngā Mātārae, which was part of the council’s Executive Leadership Team.