At today’s meeting, Dunedin city councillors will consider the scope of a steering group to guide consultation on proposed changes to the city’s economic development and destination marketing agency, Enterprise Dunedin.
Last month, the council voted 11-3 to flag transitioning Enterprise Dunedin to a standalone council-controlled organisation (CCO) as the preferred option ahead of public consultation.
A review by consultancy MyGovernance last year strongly recommended a CCO run the agency.
An "enhanced in-house model" was also considered by the council.
Councillors requested a staff report on the establishment and terms of reference for a transition steering group.
In the report to today’s meeting, staff laid out the group’s proposed responsibilities and makeup.
As joint leads of the council’s economic development portfolio, Mayor Sophie Barker (chairwoman) and Cr Andrew Simms would serve as elected member representatives.
Three external members would be appointed based on industry, governance and strategic expertise. More members could be co-opted as required.
The group’s initial focus would be development of the required consultation document.
It would also be responsible for stakeholder engagement, a communication plan and ensuring the consultation process met the council’s legal requirements.
The staff report said the work would be funded from existing budgets. If required, the council would need to approve an overspend.
The group would report to councillors monthly and at key milestones and would operate on a "no surprises" basis, giving the council "early warning of any significant challenges or issues that arise from undertaking its responsibilities".
