Super City’s unpopular CCOs face scrutiny as Goff promised

The five business units that run 75 per cent of Super City services are under the microscope after a high-level review was approved by Auckland councillors yesterday.

Mayor Phil Goff’s independent review of the councilcontrolled organisations won unanimous support by councillors at the governing body.

Expected to cost between $500,000 and $800,000, the review will focus on three key areas — the effectiveness of the CCO model, the accountability mechanisms between CCOs and the council, and the culture of CCOs.

The review was one of Goff’s few election promises for a second term and follows growing frustrations among Aucklanders at the behaviour of the CCOs, and Auckland Transport in particular.

Goff shares public concerns about whether CCOs can be held accountable. They’re on notice they could be abolished or downsized this term.

After nearly 10 years of the Super City, Goff said it was appropriate for a council-led review of the CCOs and “say, how is it working for us”.

Councillor Chris Darby said the CCO woes were part of a broader disquiet about the whole of the council, which came through at October’s local body elections when 65 per cent of people did not vote.

The review will allow public input and CCO staff can share their views in confidence. Councillor Wayne Walker said it was essential to have some

kind of whistle-blower facility.

Councillor Desley Simpson summed up a commonly held view: “If there is one word I’m hearing on the streets, it’s problems with CCOs.”

Councillor Richard Hills admitted he, too, gets frustrated at times with CCOs, but spoke out against abuse of CCO staff by elected members and the council not backing them after asking them to implement decisions on issues like cycleways and safety fixes.

Councillor Daniel Newman said: “Real reform starts with winding up Regional Facilities Auckland, Panuku and Ateed.”

The Auckland Marine Users Association spoke of its concerns with the behaviour of the CCOS, in particular Panuku Development Auckland.

Spokesman Euan Little said Panuku’s failure at consultation and “unsavoury behaviour” towards anyone who raises questions needs to be closely looked at in the review.

He said the three-member independent panel may not have the depth of expertise to address the “hairy” issues, saying a five-member panel would be more beneficial.

The wide-ranging review has to be completed by the end of next July to allow time for any changes to be considered in the 10-year budget in 2021. The three-member panel is to be appointed next month.

The five CCOs — Auckland Transport, Watercare, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (Ateed), Regional Facilities Auckland and Panuku — account for 55 per cent of the council’s operational budget.

If there is one word I’m hearing on the streets, it’s problems with CCOs.

Councillor Desley Simpson