Auckland Council Chief Executive, Phil Wilson, has today completed a review of matters relating to the Office of the Mayor of Auckland’s Chief of Staff, Jazz Singh.
Mr Singh (pictured) took leave last week while the Council investigated the insolvency of his property development company, Traxx Investments. The company was placed into liquidation last month, owing Inland Revenue $560,000.
Mr Wilson today confirmed Mr Singh will vacate his role in the Office of the Mayor and move to another position within Auckland Council, effective immediately.
“I have looked into the matters raised last week in relation to Mr Singh’s business interests and have found that appropriate declarations were made and there is no evidence of impropriety, or conflicts with his work responsibilities,” he said.
“However, we (he and I) have agreed that he will step aside from his role in the Office of the Mayor.
“A further aspect of this situation, that the Mayor, Jazz and I also all agree on, is that he should have raised the potential liquidation of his company with us.
“Stepping aside from the Chief of Staff role will prevent any further distractions for this office, which is focussed on the important last three months of this electoral term.
“Jazz has worked for Auckland Council for 14 years and, including during his time in the Office of the Mayor, has delivered some important work for our organisation and for Auckland.
“For the sake of continuity on some aspects of that work, and for the time being, I will be asking him to continue with project work from my office,” says Mr Wilson.
Tamsyn Matchett will take on the role of Acting Chief of Staff.
Mayor, Wayne Brown said Mr Singh had been an extremely effective Chief of Staff who offered good counsel and provided strong leadership.
“In particular, his work on establishing the Auckland Future Fund deserves a mention,” the Mayor said.
“It is therefore disappointing to see this situation require him to step aside, however I acknowledge that it is the right thing to do under the circumstances.”
