The people of Auckland Central, Waitematā, owe Keith McConnell a debt of gratitude. For three years, until his recent death after a short illness Keith, attended every monthly Waitematā Local Board meeting
There are only two constituents who have attended full board meetings every month this term, Keith was one of them.
He attended meetings to observe and report on the quality of governance (or in the case of the Waitematā Local Board lack of quality). He was appalled at what he described as “the worst governance of his professional career” and, after analysing a recording of each meeting, he set about reporting on the governance highs and lows of each local board meeting.
His reports were a depressing read. That said, they were fair, methodical, professional and written by one who had experienced decades of best practice governance in his professional career as a respected and successful chief executive and leader.
The disgraceful governance and leadership that concerned him the most were:
· The Waitematā Local Board’s mismanagement of the Western Springs Forest which saw over 15,000 established natives decimated.
· The manipulation by the Waitematā Local Board, and senior council leaders of the land approval for the Erebus Memorial in Sir Dove Myer Robinson Park.
· The law breaking of Cr Pippa Coom, and her encouragement of others to join her on her bike jaunt across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the busiest stretch of road in the country.
· Chair, Richard Northey’s mileage claims, paid for by ratepayers, from his Coromandel bach to his local board office.
· The inability of Auckland Council’s Chief Executive, Jim Stabback, to step in and demonstrate the leadership required to rebuild the trust of the people of Waitematā, after it was decimated by Claudia Wyss, Maureen Glassey and other senior council staff.
Halfway through the local board term Keith McConnell compiled a detailed summary of local board member performance. He then rated each board member on a scale of 1-10. The results were an appalling reflection of the quality of contribution by local board members;
2/10 Chair Richard Northey
2/10 Member Kerrin Leonie
2/10 Member Julie Sandilands
4/10 Member Adriana Christie
5/10 Member Graeme Gunthorpe
Conflicts of interest and unprofessional behaviour within the local board continues. Adriana Christie, the board’s liaison with Community Facilities is now working for Community Facilities.
Keith, would be asking questions like (1) Where and when was the job advertised? (2) How many people applied? (3) Let’s have a look at the job description. (4) Who was on the interview panel? (5) Did Member Christie disclose her conflict of interest and did the Chair even care?
Waitematā Local Board Members have a habit of side-lining those who hold a mirror up to them. True to form, none of them showed up to pay their respects at his farewell. I felt sick to the stomach at that disrespect shown to someone who relentlessly put the needs of the people of Auckland Central before his own.
Rest in Peace Keith and thank you for being a mainstay of democracy, an unsung hero.
Sarah Trotman, ONZM
Sarah Trotman was a Local Board Member for two years until she resigned in protest at the poor governance of the local board and lack of quality leadership by Jim Stabback, CEO of Auckland Council. Keith McConnell rated Trotman’s governance performance 9/10.
Rest in peace Keith McConnell
I recall the very first moment I met Keith. He came up to me at a public event at which I was no doubt berating some politician for their immediate and obvious failings. He stood out amongst a group of candidates as one of those very rare and special men.
He was a gentleman and a gentle man. Generous with his time and his knowledge, he was a passionate advocate for this city that he so loved.
His counsel was wise and considered. He had a relentless determination to ensure the community got a fair deal and held those in power to account, reminding them, it is a privilege to serve, not just a pay check. He was courageous, a man of conviction and a man of service.
For all his generosity, Keith didn’t suffer fools. He was direct, honest and fair. He saw right through the spin - calling it out. Demanding better. Encouraging others to be better.
I so appreciated the guidance, the conversations, the kindness and the honesty as we started our journey to save Robbies Park. It’s a shame you’ll miss the finale, Sir.
As a community, we owe Keith a great deal. He gave so much of himself and his time to serve all of us. We are here for Sue, if she needs to collect on that debt.
Keith, Sir, travel well. Jo Malcolm
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