Council updates  |  29 Nov 2019

Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale has met with Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier to discuss the findings of his review into the organisation's official information practices.

Mrs Baxendale sought more detail from Mr Boshier about his findings around a lack of transparency and openness from the Council’s leadership team, as she is committed to ensuring these behaviours will not be tolerated at the Council.

“I have reassured Mr Boshier that I accept his views and that our organisation should conduct our decision making and day-to-day activities in an open and honest manner,” says Mrs Baxendale.

“Mr Boshier informed me that his investigation was a systemic one and was not due to an individual complaint.”

Mrs Baxendale said a priority for the organisation was working on the Improvement Plan which has already been put in place to lift the Council’s performance following the release of the report.

“Mr Boshier assured me that his office would check in with the Council on a regular basis to get updates on how the Improvement Plan was tracking, “she said.

Due to her commitment to transparency and openness, Mrs Baxendale is reconsidering her decision regarding the release of information about her relocation fee of up to $30,000 and has committed to providing further information next week.  She informed the Ombudsman that she was intending to do this.

Mrs Baxendale will be making no further comment regarding today’s meeting.