Coasties, get ready for some changes at Auckland Council.

Mayor Wayne Brown has just announced a reshuffle in the council’s committee structure to improve decision-making and better align with the city's new Long-term Plan (LTP).

The adjustments come after feedback from councillors who felt that the current setup wasn't addressing certain issues effectively.

Mayor Brown highlighted that these changes are intended to provide more focused oversight.

"The new structure takes on board this feedback with some adjustments to existing committees, and the establishment of two smaller committees," he said.

The new setup is designed to enhance efficiency and ensure that councillors have a more active role in managing the city's affairs.

Key among the changes is the rebranding of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee, which will now be known as the Transport, Resilience, and Infrastructure Committee.

This title change reflects the addition of physical resilience matters to the committee's responsibilities.

Similarly, the Planning, Environment, and Parks Committee will be renamed the Policy and Planning Committee, continuing its role in overseeing Auckland’s development, policies, and environmental matters.

In addition to the restructured committees, two new ones have been established.

The Community Committee, chaired by Councillor Angela Dalton, will focus on community-related programmes and manage the full regional grants programme.

The Parks Committee, chaired by Councillor Ken Turner, will handle regional oversight of parks and significant open spaces.

The reshuffle also extends to the Auckland Transport (AT) Board.

Councillor Maurice Williamson has been appointed to the board, replacing Councillor Andy Baker.

Williamson, a former Minister of Transport and Minister of Local Government, brings extensive experience and will be instrumental as the council works to regain democratic control of AT.

Councillor Baker, meanwhile, will lead the newly named Transport, Resilience, and Infrastructure Committee.

"Councillor Baker will do a good job leading the Transport Resilience and Infrastructure Committee, given his inside knowledge of how AT operates," Mayor Brown noted.

He also acknowledged Councillor John Watson for his leadership of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee in the first half of the term.

Councillor Chris Darby, who joined the AT Board in July 2023, will continue in his role.

Mayor Brown expressed confidence in the new board members, saying they would ensure that the views of Aucklanders are well-represented.