Auckland Council Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Auckland Council has 5 executives leading key functions including strategic planning, executive administration, financial management, portfolio oversight, and independent regulatory governance.

Committed to enhancing urban infrastructure and community well-being, Auckland Council delivers essential public services while fostering sustainable growth across the region through transparent governance and efficient resource allocation.

Leadership Roles at Auckland Council

  • Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office - Max Hardy
  • Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer - Lisa Tocker
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Ross Tucker
  • Head Group Chief Financial Officer, Strategic Portfolios & Programmes Divison - Ramari Jackson-Paniora
  • Independent Commissioner - Mary Davenport
  • Max Hardy - Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office

    Max Hardy, the Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office at Auckland Council, directs the overarching strategic vision and administrative operations for the organization. This leadership role involves aligning long-term municipal goals with the practical delivery of city services, including transportation and water infrastructure. Max Hardy manages the executive office to ensure seamless communication between departments and the governing body. By architecting high-level policy frameworks, the Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office facilitates regional development across New Zealand. This position requires constant collaboration with stakeholders to optimize public resource utilization. Through rigorous oversight of strategic initiatives, the Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office maintains operational excellence. The focus remains on driving sustainable urban growth while addressing the complex needs of a diverse population. Ultimately, the Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office secures the institutional stability required for effective city management.
    Max Hardy

    Lisa Tocker - Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer

    Lisa Tocker, the Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer at Auckland Council, coordinates high-priority administrative workflows and facilitates executive decision-making processes. This role involves managing the daily agenda for the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that critical municipal projects receive necessary attention and resources. Lisa Tocker bridges the gap between departmental leads and executive leadership, streamlining communication to improve organizational efficiency. By monitoring the progress of key city initiatives, the Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the broader strategic objectives of the council. This position demands precise management of internal governance protocols and external stakeholder relations. Through the facilitation of complex administrative tasks, the Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer supports the delivery of essential public services like parks and water management. The focus remains on maintaining operational continuity and supporting the executive team in achieving long-term regional goals for the city.

    Ross Tucker - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Ross Tucker, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Auckland Council, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire municipal organization. This role involves overseeing complex financial reporting, capital investment strategies, and long-term funding models for essential city services. Ross Tucker directs the allocation of public funds toward critical infrastructure projects, including transportation networks and water services. By implementing robust financial controls, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability in all fiscal operations. This leadership position requires constant interaction with the Board and other C-suite executives to balance budgetary constraints with the need for urban expansion. Through the optimization of revenue streams and expenditure management, the Group Chief Financial Officer supports the sustainable growth of the region. The focus remains on maintaining fiscal resilience while providing the necessary capital to support the diverse needs of the community and the ongoing development of the city.

    Ramari Jackson-Paniora - Head Group Chief Financial Officer, Strategic Portfolios & Programmes Divison

    Ramari Jackson-Paniora, the Head Group Chief Financial Officer, Strategic Portfolios & Programmes Divison at Auckland Council, manages the financial viability of specific large-scale strategic portfolios and municipal programs. This role involves analyzing the economic impact of major infrastructure investments and ensuring that individual programs remain within budgetary parameters. Ramari Jackson-Paniora directs the financial planning for specialized divisions, focusing on the efficient delivery of parks and community resources. By evaluating the performance of various strategic initiatives, the Head Group Chief Financial Officer, Strategic Portfolios & Programmes Divison provides critical data to support executive decision-making. This position requires close coordination with project managers to align financial resources with operational milestones. Through the rigorous monitoring of portfolio expenditures, the Head Group Chief Financial Officer, Strategic Portfolios & Programmes Divison drives fiscal discipline across the organization. The focus remains on maximizing the value of public investments to enhance the quality of life for residents.

    Mary Davenport - Independent Commissioner

    Mary Davenport, the Independent Commissioner at Auckland Council, provides impartial oversight and regulatory guidance on complex municipal planning and development matters. This role involves adjudicating high-stakes decisions regarding land use, environmental impact, and urban infrastructure projects. Mary Davenport ensures that all regulatory processes adhere to legal standards and community expectations, maintaining the integrity of the council's decision-making framework. By acting as an objective authority, the Independent Commissioner facilitates the resolution of disputes between stakeholders and the city government. This position requires deep expertise in local government legislation and a commitment to fair, transparent governance. Through the careful review of development applications and policy proposals, the Independent Commissioner supports the sustainable evolution of the city. The focus remains on balancing competing interests to achieve outcomes that benefit the broader public interest. Ultimately, the Independent Commissioner upholds the regulatory standards necessary for the orderly and equitable development of the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Auckland Council Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Auckland Council?
    Auckland Council is led by Max Hardy (Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office), along with executives such as Lisa Tocker (Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer) and Ross Tucker (Group Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Auckland Council’s executive team?
    The executive team of Auckland Council includes leaders such as Max Hardy (Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office), Lisa Tocker (Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer), Ross Tucker (Group Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Auckland Council have?
    Auckland Council has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Auckland Council’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Auckland Council includes roles such as Director, Group Strategy & Chief Executive Officer, Office, Executive Officer To the Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Group Chief Financial Officer, Strategic Portfolios & Programmes Divison, Independent Commissioner.