Tasman District councillors have voted to retain the possibility of an elected member winning a place around the board tables of council-owned companies such as Nelson Airport and Port Nelson.
"I'm absolutely comfortable that councillors with certain skills should be able to ... put their application in and have their application considered along with everybody else," said mayor Tim King, who is a director of Port Nelson Ltd.
Other elected members agreed.
"I think there's merit in us having a link in there if there's a councillor around the table that has the required ability and skill," said councillor Chris Hill.
Councillor Dana Wensley said independent directors were valuable but people who "have an idea of the shareholders' business actually bring a lot to that company environment".
The decision by Tasman District councillors went against the recommendation of staff, which was based on advice from the Office of the Auditor-General. Councillors were asked to adopt an updated policy on the appointment of directors and trustees to council organisations. It contained a clause saying no elected member of the council or a community board may be appointed as a director/trustee "except in a temporary role and where good reason exists to do so".
Corporate services manager Mike Drummond pointed out the proposed clause would be consistent with the policy for Nelson City councillors, which "does not provide for the appointment of elected members".
MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF
Councillor Chris Hill says there's merit in the council having a link around the board table of council organisations.
Wensley moved an amendment to delete the clause, which passed.
"I think, it's an extraordinary position for us to actually say that some people can't apply to be on a board because a councillor might be the best person for a board," Wensley said.
Councillor David Ogilvie said members of the community believed councillors had "the skills to manage this district and yet the Auditor-General doesn't think you or I and others have that skill".
"I find that [to be] an insult and I feel quite strongly about that as an insult," Ogilvie said.
Councillor Dean McNamara also questioned how councillors could be unqualified for boards but qualified to run the council.
Nelson Airport Ltd is a Council Controlled Trading Organisation. Councillor Mark Greening is a director. Port Nelson Ltd is covered by the Port Companies Act but the council uses the same policy and procedure for director appointments. Both are owned 50/50 by the Nelson City and Tasman District councils.
MARTIN DE RUYTER/STUFF
Councillor David Ogilvie says members of the community believe councillors have the skills to manage the district.
