Councillors to discuss Marryatt's future

Tony Marryatt. Photo / Geoff Sloan

Controversial Christchurch City Council chief executive Tony Marryatt's job is on the line today at a secret council meeting that will discuss his future.

Councillors called to an extraordinary meeting behind closed doors will hear a report from the subcommittee of four that monitors his performance and $538,000 salary.

The committee chaired by Mayor Bob Parker will outline events involving Mr Marryatt since he was stood down on indefinite leave last Wednesday at the centre of the city's building consent crisis. His contract is scheduled to run until December 2014.

Mr Marryatt was out on the golf course when The Star called at his Burnside house yesterday.

His partner, Robyn Steele, said he was out playing golf with friends.

She said Mr Marryatt was prevented from speaking to the media ahead of today's meeting under an agreement with the council. He would release a statement as soon as he was able to.

Councillor Helen Broughton, a member of the subcommittee, would say only the council would be considering a report today on events "post last Wednesday" when Mr Parker announced that Mr Marryatt was taking indefinite leave.

"It has been a very eventful week."

Mrs Broughton said Mr Marryatt's situation was an "employment matter" that she was unable to discuss further.

"It's very delicate and we need to be very careful."

Councillor Peter said it was good that the full council had been called to an extraordinary meeting to consider an update on Mr Marryatt's situation.

"Obviously we need to make decisions. It's in the best interests of the city that we have a resolution going forward," he said.

"Clearly the council has been found wanting and we need to decide how we restore confidence to our citizens."

Councillor Jamie Gough said he expected the subcommittee would report on "anything related to Mr Marryatt's remuneration and performance".

Beyond that he said he was unaware of any other issues that may be discussed.