The cost of independently appointing a new board to Whanganui District Council Holdings is not yet known.
The council announced last week it would be using a third party to appoint board members as part of changes to its governance manual for council-controlled organisations.
Holdings, which is 100 per cent owned by the council, is responsible for GasNet Ltd and the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy and the port and airport.
Council chief executive Kym Fell said the appointment costs would come out of the budget of Holdings but the cost was not yet known.
Previously board members were appointed by council.
"We are currently obtaining three quotations to ensure we receive a fair market fee for service," Mr Fell said.
He said council had access to many independent recruitment firms.
"We will be appointing the recruitment firm on the basis of best value for the service offered.
"Only those with relevant executive appointment and board appointment experience will be approached.
"The value of the service falls well below the need to undertake a full procurement process."
Whanganui District Council Holdings has been operating since 2002.