Democracy Transition Plan
Notes of meeting with Commission Chair Anne Tolley, Commissioners Stephen Selwood, Bill Wasley
and Shad Rolleston, Marty Grenfell(CE), Alastair McNeill (GM: Corporate Services), Christine Jones
(GM: Strategy, Growth & Governance), Ceilidh Dunphy (Manager: Community Relations), Coral Hair
(Manager: Democracy & Governance Services) and Robyn Garrett (Team Leader: Governance
Services)
Date: 20 March 2023, 1 pm to 1:30 pm
Venue: Commission Chair’s office
Refer to Discussion Paper for Commissioners 15 March 2023 (A14427606).
Commissioners provided feedback on the Democracy Transition Plan prior to Christmas. The main
feedback can be summarised as wanting input and involvement in Phase 1 Quality Candidates.
(Refer appendix for details on each phase and Commissioner feedback.)
Attributes of a quality candidate
Recognises that while elected members represent a geographic area of the city, they must
make decisions that are in the best interests of the whole city.
Understands the needs and role of Tauranga as a nationally important metro city
Recognises that Tauranga is growing and changing rapidly and the associated the need to
manage that growth and change.
Long term strategic thinker capable of making decisions that help define the future for
Tauranga.
Knowledgeable about the direction and rationale behind the Long-Term Plan 2024-34 and
capable of delivering on it.
Familiar with the history of the development of the city and the reasons why the
Commission was appointed.
Understands and has good governance experience, including recognising and giving effect to
the principle of collective responsibility.
Financial acumen with experience in large and complex organisation. Aptitude to
comprehend financial information and reports and scrutinise management’s performance.
Aptitude to get to grips with complex legislation and reforms.
Builder of collegial working relationships and models positive values and behaviours.
Develop and retains strong strategic partnerships.
Commits to honouring the Council’s responsibilities under the Local Government Act
associated with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working with mana whenua of Tauranga.
Recognises the increasing diversity and changing ethnicity of Tauranga City and able to
understand and empathise with all cultures and their aspirations.
Has great communication skills.
Commits time and energy.
Roll out of election campaign in early 2024 following the central government election in October
2023.
Role of Commissioners is separate from staff and will focus on attracting quality candidates.
Send out for feedback once written up.
