Council to consider risk committee
25 September 2015Waipa District Council is to consider setting up a new committee to keep a closer eye on risk.
On Tuesday [Sept 29] elected councillors will consider establishing an audit and risk committee. If established, the new committee will focus on ensuring robust processes are followed to minimise risk to the organisation and its ratepayers.
The proposal is supported by mayor Jim Mylchreest, chair of the finance and corporate committee councillor Andrew Brown, chief executive Garry Dyet and chief financial officer Ken Morris.
In a paper to the Council, Morris said audit and risk committees were common place in local government and were seen as good practice within the sector. He noted two thirds of councils within New Zealand already have such committees including Waipa's neighbours Waikato District Council, Waikato Regional Council, Matamata-Piako District Council and Hamilton City Council.
Audit and risk committees are strongly supported by the Office of the Auditor-General and the sector's umbrella organisation Local Government New Zealand, Morris said.
Such a committee would focus clearly on the robustness of Council processes and would provide a strong forum for the Council to engage with its independent auditor. It would add an extra layer of scrutiny.
The proposal would see the committee made up of mayor Jim Mylchreest plus councillors Judy Bannon, John Bishop, Andrew Brown and Clare St Pierre. Staff have recommended that former assistant auditor-general for local government, Bruce Robertson, be appointed as an independent advisor to the committtee. He would not have voting rights.
If appointed, Mr Robertson would be paid a fee of up to $21,000 per annum. Councillors on the new committee would not receive any additional renumeration.
All media enquiries, contact Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of council) 027 5077 599