Uncertain times ahead for decision-makers
Less than six months into her role, It is that sort of vulnerability that Hay says his role in Sara Hay knows she’s got a challenge believesmay require the council to building council relationships on her hands. purchase asset shares beyond the with Ma¯ori is not a complex one.
The council’s chief financial officer, Wellington region to safeguard its Until now, it just hasn’t been who spent five years at Auckland finances. done. Council before returning to Wellington, ‘‘If I think of our balance sheet at the Wall, originally fromWaitara says the capital’s upcoming 10-year plan, moment other than rates, our non-rates in Taranaki, took up the inaugural to be signed off by June, is shaping to be revenue streams are really vulnerable to a role as the council’s head of Ma¯ori the most difficult she has been involved in. shock. strategic relationships in October, and
‘‘Just the sheer volume of decisions to get ‘‘Our shareholding in the airport, as we saw plans to use his connections to bolster the through a council process will be challenging. through the pandemic, that’s vulnerable to a council’s support for local Ma¯ori
The level of uncertainty in this long-term plan is shock. An investment portfolio is an easy way to businesses. the most complex that I’ve ever been involved diversify risk.’’ ‘‘The challenge has been coming in in, and I thought I knew complexity in Auckland.’’ Hay suggested an investment shares and identifying what we need to do from
Hay grew up inWairarapa before moving to portfolio could be managed by a third party. a strategic point of view,’’ Wall said. Wellington for university and spending 15 years Selling shares was also an option, but those ‘‘How do we strengthen some of the in the city. After a range of central government were decisions to be made by elected members, partnerships? The partnerships are there, roles, and a stint in the private sector not council staff, Hay said. but [they’re] not necessarily as deep and establishing the Wellington branch of national IT The council owns 34 per cent of the airport, strong as they should be.’’ company New Era, she held a number of and mayor Andy Foster has previously floated Wall comes from an education managerial positions at Auckland Council. the idea of the organisation divesting that share. background, having completed a bachelor
She was struck by the damage caused to ‘‘We both know there won’t be universal of education and master’s degree at Te Wellington’s infrastructure¯inObythe2016Kaiko¯urasupportforthat,buttherecouldbesupport.Wa¯nangaoRaukawa, taki. earthquake, having returned to the city with her That’s definitely a political decision.’’ He spent about six years teaching in husband and two daughters following the Overall, Hay believes the council is in a strong Wellington primary schools, and the past coronavirus lockdown last year. financial position. 10 years as senior manager of te reo