Interview: David Rankin, new Auckland chief executive

By BERNARD ORSMAN

David Rankin is a former husband of Christine Rankin and a one-time Labour Party candidate who has grabbed the country's biggest job in local government with his appointment as chief executive of Auckland City Council.

Known for his wit and strong grip on the council purse strings, Mr Rankin replaces Bryan Taylor from next July.

He talks about the new job, which comes with a salary of $348,446 and a staff of 1700.

What made you stand for the job of the biggest city council in New Zealand?

I feel passionate about contributing to Auckland becoming a great city. I enjoy the challenge and endless interest of city government, from dangerous dogs to buying marinas. We are one of the city's biggest businesses, with total expenditure of more than $600 million. Leading the team here is something I really want to do.

Were you shoulder-tapped?

No, I applied along with more than 20 others from New Zealand and overseas.

How did you celebrate your appointment?

The council decision was made late Thursday night, so I had drinks with a few good friends on Friday evening.

Apart from a sense of humour, what qualities do you bring to the job?

A track record of leadership and results. A lot of experience in city government and an understanding of the complexity of issues we deal with. I can work with all sorts of different people. I'm really committed to the work we do.

What are the big issues facing the council over the next three years?

I'd like to see if we can build on several things, such as making the council even easier to deal with and more accessible. For example, I'd like to see us handle even more customer inquiries with just a single call.

The backroom system has been put in place so we can serve our people through the web. Already 20 per cent of land information management reports are accessed on line and $50,000 is being paid in parking fines over the web each month. We have the system. Now it's a matter of deploying it.

We need to pro-actively respond to growth of an extra 150,000 or more people in the next 17 years and at the same time protect our neighbourhoods. We've got to achieve quality development, particularly in the areas targeted for growth without destroying our natural environment and valued buildings. A lot of the big issues, like transport, are regional.

It's a matter of continuing to work with other organisations in both the public and private sectors to achieve objectives, like helping people move round the city more easily.

Aucklanders increasingly want world-class infrastructure. Managing resources to achieve that is perhaps one of the biggest issues for us all.

How do you intend to stamp your mark on the organisation?

It's a matter of making sure the highly professional team we have here builds on what we've got.

What shape are the council finances in?

Very strong. We're net debt-free. We are producing surpluses to invest in infrastructure. We've put practices in place to rigorously question the value of everything we spend. The strength of our financial position means we are capable of coping with the growth that's coming.

Do you support a single city for Auckland?

Yes.

Any plans to upgrade your ratepayer-funded car?

No.

You were married to former Winz boss Christine Rankin. Do you still see her?

We're on good terms. We've lived our own lives for more than a decade.

Five favourite things about Auckland City?

For me personally - my neighbourhood, St Heliers; the harbour and our volcanic cones; all the different people and cultures; the great restaurants; the vibrancy and buzz of a city getting bigger.

Which other council do you admire and why?

Brisbane, because it shows what can be done when there's one city council.

Best meal you have enjoyed in the council cafeteria?

A nice tuna salad sandwich most days for lunch.

What interests do you have outside the council?

Reading history, following cricket and rugby, tending my wine collection and making sure I exercise every day.

Rankin file

Age: 48.

Status: Living with partner.

Children: Two adult children.

Education: Law degree (LLB, University of Auckland).

Career: Probation officer with the Justice Department.

City manager of former East Coast Bays City Council.

Joined Auckland City in 1989 as industrial relations and personnel manager.

Finance director since 1996.