5 February 2020

To improve openness and transparency, an independent member has, for the first time, been appointed to the Council’s Finance Audit & Risk Committee.

The appointment of Kit Nixon was approved at the last Committee Meeting on 11 December and ratified at the Council meeting today.

Mr Nixon is an internationally experienced and senior executive and director in both the public and private sectors, now living in Greytown.  His most recent position was CEO/Director of Explore Group (NZ), a successful marine tourism operator located in Auckland and the Bay of Islands. Mr Nixon also worked in a senior role for Napier City Council from 1991 to 2002.

South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen believes the appointment is another step towards improving openness and transparency in Council decision making.

“Mr Nixon was selected from a shortlist based on his experience and skillset best meeting the criteria set by Local Government New Zealand for an external appointee.

“He will bring a degree of independence to the Committee’s decision-making, including scrutinising whether the business needs to be publically excluded and when it does what information should be released publically afterwards.”

Finance, Audit & Risk Committee Chair, Councillor Leigh Hay, says, “I am delighted that someone of Mr Nixon’s experience and calibre has agreed to take up this voluntary position. On behalf of the Committee, we look forward to working with him.”

Mr Nixon will be a non-voting member of the Committee.

ENDS