We are told that Mark de Haast, the KCDC’s Financial Controller gave notice 2 weeks ago and leaves on 9 February. He is taking up a finance position in the Hutt City Council
Coming only a short time after the much publicized departure of his boss, Chief Executive Mr Dougherty, it is not a good look for a council whose level of indebtedness per capita is one of the highest in country.
Mr de Haast has had his position in the council since March 2014.
It only reinforces the call that we and others have repeatedly made for a comprehensive external management/efficiency audit of the council.
A council officer comments:
We read your article titled “The Council’s Financial Controller quits” has been brought to our attention. While we wouldn’t usually comment on an individual staff member your post is incorrect and carries an inference that may be open to misinterpretation and as such we request that the post is either corrected or removed.
Our Financial Controller tendered his resignation with the Council on 21 December 2017 and his last working day with the Council will be 9 February 2018. The only similarity between the departures of our Chief Executive and our Financial Controller is that both have advanced their careers which reflects well on the ability of this Council to recruit and develop its staff.
If you wish to attribute the above, please quote Gary Simpson, Acting Chief Executive.
Best regards
Susan Owens
Principal Engagement and Communications Advisor
Te Kaitohutohu Whakawhitiwhitinga Whakānga Mātāpono
How come we spend all these millions developing their careers, and then they all leave. The council spin doctor says the Hutt and Nelson councils are career improvements, what is she insinuating?
I think she might be saying that working in those communities is good for your career because you’re not subject to the constant infighting of the Kapiti community. The bickering results in projects going nowhere because residents can’t agree on anything – witness McLean Park and Mahara Square. So if you move to work in those communities you can achieve things and make progress in your career instead of being held back by bickering, backwards naysayers.
There’s certainly conflict within the council because of the way it has been managed and has been a stultifying and frustrating place to work, that we know.
But we don’t think there is any more ‘infighting’ in the wider community in Kapiti than there is anywhere else. People have different ideas about public spaces like the ones you mention — that is to be expected. It becomes a question of achieving a result that satisfies a significant majority with what is a reasonable and not excessive amount of expenditure. This isn’t Beverly Hills where there are silver-coated fire hydrants, people here live on modest incomes.
resigned,he should be sacked.200 million in debt and rising on hes watch.
yep.job well done.