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Franklin Ward councillor Andy Baker has been reappointed as chairman of Auckland Council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee for the 2025–28 term.
The role was confirmed as part of Mayor Wayne Brown’s new committee structure, which he announced this week alongside a line-up of returning and first-term councillors.
The structure features fewer committees and a streamlined schedule, with meetings to run every six weeks instead of monthly.
Governing Body and large committee meetings will shift from Thursdays to Tuesdays, with workshops on Wednesdays and other committees on Thursdays.
Brown said he looks forward to working with councillors to deliver what matters for Auckland, and the new schedule will give members more time to engage with their communities.
“This is about being efficient with time and money and giving councillors a schedule that makes more sense for them. They need time in their communities, not stuck around council meetings in the town hall all day every day,” he said.
Brown said councillors bring a wide range of skills, which have been applied to key portfolios.
“All chair positions in committees have been given to councillors who have demonstrated significant leadership and collaboration capabilities last term.
“Transport reform and a new plan for housing intensification mean we have some decisions ahead that will have a huge impact on how and where people live.
“I’m glad to have Councillor Andy Baker and Councillor Richard Hills chairing those committees.
“I have positioned councillors to make the most of their skills and experience. I’ve thought very carefully about getting the knowledge in the right places.”
The Mayor said the focus this term will be on strengthening both physical and financial resilience, and on working closely with the Government.
“Finishing the fix in transport and housing and other infrastructure bits and pieces means we will have a more physically resilient region.
“But we must also have a greater focus on strengthening the financial resilience of our future.
“I’m glad to have my Deputy Desley Simpson chairing our Value for Money Committee, and Councillor Greg Sayers heading up Budget and Performance. I’m looking forward to their work here.”
