Goff also said he had significantly increased the scrutiny of CCOs through the new committee structure and feedback from councillors suggested the appointments did not improve the flow of information from Auckland Transport to the council.
"There was also concern about the inequity created by these appointments given that appointees earn more than $50,000 in directors' fees a year while other elected representatives who carry out extra duties receive no additional payment," the letter said.
Councillors who opposed the mayor were Lee, Fletcher, Daniel Newman, John Watson, Cathy Casey and Sharon Stewart.
Howick councillor Dick Quax said most of Goff's points were valid, but he did not have the power to make appointments to the Auckland Transport Board. The Super City legislation gave the power to the council, he said.
Lee said it was a "retrograde step", Casey vowed to fight it and Stewart wanted it discussed at an extraordinary meeting.