One of the first jobs of the new council, which was sworn in last week, is to decide on its committee structure.
Council chairman Stephen Woodhead has proposed a revamp of the committee structure, which is up for adoption at a council meeting tomorrow.
He proposes retaining five standing committees, but dropping the engineering and hazards and natural resources committees in favour of a technical committee and a communications committee.
The communications committee would pull together internal and external council communications, community engagement and education across the whole organisation.
Mr Woodhead said under the proposed structure, long-serving councillor Louise Croot would retain her objections committee and commissioner appointment subcommittee roles.
He had dropped all his committee responsibilities, including chairmanship of the regional transport committee, which he had held for six years.
Upon reflection, that work, combined with his roles in local government nationally and regionally, had been too much, Mr Woodhead said.
''It's about managing workload and utilising skills.''
The change in structure also translated into a change in committee leaderships.
Cr Michael Deaker, last term's chairman of the policy committee, has dropped to deputy, new council deputy chairwoman Cr Gretchen Robertson, former chairwoman of the now-defunct natural resources committee, having been recommended for the job.
Mr Woodhead said it was a decision looking to the future and Cr Deaker would be able to provide significant support, mentoring and advice to Cr Robertson.
''[That committee] has a big workload ... and will need to keep an overview of the regional policy statement.''
Second-term councillor Trevor Kempton would receive his first chairmanships, heading the new communications committee and chairing the regional transport committee.
Mr Woodhead said he had tried to ensure all councillors were involved, even the newest members - Cr Gary Kelliher, who was up for the deputy chairmanship of the finance and corporate committee, and Cr Graeme Bell, deputy of the new communications committee and regional transport committee.
Leadership of the finance and corporate committee, vacated by former councillor Duncan Butcher, was to go to former deputy chairman Cr David Shepherd.
''He has formal training in banking and finance and as former deputy chair had involvement in several of those activities. I felt he was ideal.''
Chairman of the technical committee was proposed to be Cr Bryan Scott, former regulatory committee chairman, with Cr Doug Brown as deputy. The committee will oversee the science, engineering and waterways and flood management areas of council.
It was proposed Cr Neill, former deputy of the finance and corporate committee, would chair the regulatory committee, with Cr Gerry Eckhoff as his deputy.
