The Invercargill City Council is making an attempt to resolve ongoing tensions between elected members and staff.

An independent advisor, Bruce Robertson, has been appointed to guide the council as it seeks to improve relationships and strengthen governance ahead of the long-term plan process. 

The move comes as ongoing tensions between elected members, and at times, between elected members and staff, have regularly been subject of public, media, and social media debate, prompting a request for information from the Department of Internal Affairs. 

Mr Robertson is the independent chair of the council's risk and assurance committee and will assist the council through the process of assuring the Department of Internal Affairs that the council has the structure and relationships in place to deliver unified leadership for the city. 

Invercargill mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt said the review was an opportunity to learn, improve, and strengthen the council's work and the relationships between elected members and staff. It was welcomed by all elected members, he said. 

“Differences of opinion are vital to any democracy, and we will work within this review to demonstrate democracy is alive and well in our city,” Sir Tim said.

“In the interests of everyone, differences of opinion need to be respected, while a democracy aims to resolve its differences and support its community with clear leadership. Elected members have welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate that we have the ability to serve our community well," he said. 

Sir Tim said the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, along with future planning for the city’s assets, meant a respectful environment was essential to allow elected members to seek guidance from staff while having robust debate. 

Chief executive Clare Hadley said councillors had taken positive steps to prioritise projects. A focus on strong democratic process was essential to ensure sound decision-making, she said. 

“Local government can appear to others as slow and frustrating, but our processes are in place for a good reason, to ensure all options are canvassed and decisions are made thoughtfully with regard for the long term and for the priorities of the many projects and responsibilities every local authority must turn its attention to," Mrs Hadley said. 

The council recently changed its decision-making processes and introduced new committee structures. 

“Feedback from elected members is that this has streamlined the decision-making process, rather than waiting for the six-week cycle of meetings it had previously, Mrs Hadley said. 

It was business as usual for the day-to-day operations of the organisation, she said. 

The Department of Internal Affairs raised concerns following recent media coverage of council activities. 

The department has asked for information and will advise the Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta.

Under Part 10 of the Local Government Act, the minister may act to assist or intervene in local authority matters if necessary. 

The council will meet to discuss the process today (August 25) and will update the department later this week.