At the moment, the Audit and Risk Committee of the Western Bay of Plenty Council is chaired by the mayor.

In my view, this is a very long way from ideal because it doesn’t provide the objectivity and independence which that committee should have. That’s why if I’m elected mayor, I am committed to retaining an independent person for that very important role.
 
I have held this view since I heard Sir Dryden Spring speak about his role as the independent chair of the Matamata Piako District Council’s Audit and Risk Committee when Jan Barnes became the mayor there. The Productivity Commission has also recommended that all local government Audit and Risk Committees be chaired by an independent person.
 
I am promoting Ken Shirley to be the independent chair of Western Bay’s Audit and Risk Committee.  We need better and more independent scrutiny of our finances, and Ken Shirley has the experience and integrity to perform that role with distinction. He has the additional advantage of being an expert on the transport industry, and with the lack of decisions on our most important highways – SH2 and SH29 – he would be a very valuable asset to this community.