Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden has spoken out in opposition to outside consultation being sought on the recruitment of directors for Queenstown Lakes District Council-owned companies.
At Monday's council meeting, QLDC chief executive Debra Lawson announced the personal specifications for the roles of Queenstown Airport Corporation chairman and Lakes Leisure director were being reviewed ahead of recruitment.
Ms van Uden's comments came after Ms Lawson suggested external assistance from consultants in recruiting a Queenstown Airport Corporation chairman could be worthwhile as the position was "likely to attract considerable interest".
"I am completely opposed to getting external advice for directors ... and in terms of the airport, we have the obligation to look after that ourselves," Ms van Uden said.
After being ousted by the council, QAC's former chairman, Mark Taylor, was replaced by director Murray Valentine, leaving a QAC director's slot vacant. There was also a vacancy for a director for Lakes Leisure because Jeff Turner reached the end of his term in March and resigned after serving for 13 years.
Cr Simon Stamers-Smith agreed with Ms van Uden, saying they had a "very competent" council and staff capable of making recruitment decisions.
However, Cr Jude Battson viewed outside input as potentially beneficial.
"I think it can only enhance our decision-making ... When you consider what we are talking about and the context we are talking about [the price of hiring consultants] is small change." Ms van Uden said she did not want to see any outside parties short-listing candidates, but Cr Cath Gilmour said the "greatest value" that could come from such input might be the candidates located through "shoulder-tapping and networking".
Ms Lawson said they were looking to recruit for both companies as soon as possible, and if more than one "really great" candidate was found for the QAC board, more than one director could be taken on.
Lakes Leisure is a council-controlled organisation which oversees sports fields and facilities, including the Queenstown Events centre.
