Auckland Council

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Client:

Auckland Council

Website:

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Role:

Programme Director – WorkSmart Programme 2021-2024

Services rendered:
  • Project Leadership
  • Design + Build + Furniture Integration
  • Transformational Change
  • Furniture Solutions
  • Sustainable Solutions
Stats:
  • 6,500 people

Auckland Council gave effect to an innovative self-funded (through property disposals), corporate optimisation programme to delivering transformational efficiency improvements, elevated employee and customer services experience, and rate-payer value for money; WorkSmart at Auckland Council. 

I led Councils WorkSmart strategy, governance, programme planning functions including Long Term Plan objectives and deliverables, financial management, resources and programme delivery involving a large team of internal staff and external consultants across nine different simultaneous streams of work – each work stream involved multiple projects each. A programme of works of size, scale and high complexity with focussed political interest and outcomes.

I was responsible for property disposals programme, governance, reporting, planning, resource allocation, contract procurement, programme cost management, leadership of programme team (project management, change management, communications, data analysis, technology, administration, SMEs, Business Partners), secondment of external team per project (project management, architecture design, infrastructure + engineering services, cost management, HSW), wide internal and external stakeholder management, across all levels including successful mana whenua engagement across Tāmaki Makaurau, whilst ensuring Auckland Council’s reputation was maintained at the highest standard.

Key Achievements:

Value for Money / Efficiency:

  • Reduction of 17 sites down to 5; decrease by 52% from 128,000m2 to circa 62,000m2
  • $13million reduction in operating costs per annum; $130 million over next 10 year Long Term Plan period
  • $184 million in renewals cost avoidance over the next 10 year Long Term Plan period

Staff Experience: Involved 6,500 staff with delivery of a network of high-quality, consistent, MS teams enabled, flexible Hubs and drop-in Spokes cross Tāmaki Makaurau. Increased Council/CCO collaboration and optimisation opportunities.

Innovative: ~$130 million self-funded through disposals. Zero cost to ratepayers for all new fitouts, and lifted building quality to 5-star Greenstar equivalent rating.

Māori Outcomes: Incorporating Te Aranga design principles, mana whenua spaces and social procurement into all new developments.

DE&I: Integrated Maori Outcomes and supporting diverse work patterns for increased access and equity of experience.

Community: Local Board endorsed development outcomes across all divested properties, including delivery of programme and engagement with all 21 Local Boards, with strong and consistent local iwi engagement.

Sustainability: >55% carbon emissions savings, and improved building quality to 5-star Greenstar equivalent rating.

Linkedin Articles:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/desley-simpson-79548031_when-i-first-became-a-councillor-one-of-activity-7244176588798337024-bSgJ

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/savory-construction_the-savory-team-are-pleased-to-share-some-activity-7332591783211671553-Y-5P

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/centuria-nz_asset-plus-managed-by-centuria-is-proud-to-activity-7092645696293523456-aWX6

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cprwnz_auckland-aucklandoffice-newzealandoffice-ugcPost-7297436155057184768-SJrT

Albany Hub

Manukau Hub