Mayor Bob Harvey says he was as surprised as anyone to be named as the chairman of the Auckland Waterfront Development Agency.

The supercity council controlled organisation will be given the task of turning around the Queens Wharf Party Central project in time for next year's Rugby World Cup.

It will also take care of the long-term redevelopment of Auckland's waterfront.

Mr Harvey says he only found out he'd been given the job last weekend.

"I got the letter on Saturday morning," he says. "And no one was more surprised by it than me."

He says he'd heard rumours, but claims he was none the wiser until he checked the letterbox.

When asked what his plans are as the agency's chairman, he's remaining tightlipped.

"My main goal now is to not talk to the media," he says.

"I've only had the job a couple of days and I don't want to get off on the wrong foot.

"I haven't met my board and I haven't met my chief executive."

But despite being stuck for words he's happy with the appointment.

"I'm very pleased I got the job."

Mr Harvey'd appointment is among a corporate who's who of CCO board members named on Monday by Local Government Minister Rodney Hide.

But the announcement hasn't been without controversy.

The government has been criticised for a lack of consultation with the region's mayors about the appointments.

The Auckland Council's new CCOs include Auckland Council Investments Ltd, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development Ltd, Regional Facilities Auckland, Auckland Council Property Ltd, the Auckland Waterfront Development Agency and the statutory entity Auckland Transport.

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Article Source: www.westernleader.co.nz
Article By: Stephen Forbes