However, a statement was sent to Newstalk ZB from a publicity company that said it supported the executive committee with “media matters”.
“The Heart of the City executive committee wishes to confirm that Viv Beck is employed as the chief executive of Heart of the City. She has not departed the organisation.”
Office and operations co-ordinator Jessie Vlasich said she could not comment and directed questions to the organisation’s media team.
Senior communications and publicity specialist Kate Powell said: “Thanks for getting in touch. Your request has been forwarded on to the executive committee/board.”
Beck has also been approached for comment.
On Saturday, the Post reported that Beck had “departed” HOTC.
However, the story was amended after HOTC’s executive committee issued a statement by email saying this was “factually incorrect”.
“It is disappointing to see unsubstantiated conjecture reported as fact,” the statement said.
“The whole executive committee wishes to make it clear to members that Viv Beck remains CEO of Heart of the City.”
However, the Herald understands that Beck has been stood down from her role.
In his statement, Brown said: “The Heart of the City plays an important role in the city and receives significant funding through a targeted rate paid by businesses.
“It is entirely up to the board to advise anybody on the employment status of Ms Beck, including if there has been a change to her status.
“The mayor and his office are focused on maintaining a positive and productive relationship with its board. We expect the board to continue to communicate regularly with us and operate in line with the BID [Business Improvement District] policy.”
Brown said further questions about the organisation should be directed to HOTC.
Beck has ruffled feathers due to concerns she had been too negative about the state of the central city while lobbying for action to address homelessness.
It’s also understood there have been tensions between her and some members of the executive committee.
HOTC’s websites describes itself as the business association for Auckland’s city centre.
“We promote businesses and the heart of the city as a destination. We exist to champion a successful city centre for business and create an aspirational and vibrant destination to live, work, study and visit for all.”
More to come ...
Lane Nichols is Auckland desk editor for the New Zealand Herald with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.
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