Footpath contracts boss takes on new job

Auckland City transport boss Don Munro has quit to take up a lesser council role, but denies the move is connected to long-running inquiries by the Herald into the management of the council's footpath contracts.

Mr Munro said he believed he could make better use of his skills and experience to contribute to the transition to the Super City by taking up the job of group manager of transport policy.

It would focus on big transport projects, such as the $1.3 billion Auckland-Manukau eastern transport initiative.

But a senior council source said Mr Munro's handling of the footpath furore contributed to him quitting the transport general manager role he held for two years.

Revelations about the footpath contracts have led to two inquiries, including an investigation by the Auditor-General into the management of the contracts since 2004.

That inquiry is continuing. A separate inquiry found the council twice paid John Fillmore Contractors $140,000 for doing footpath renewal work.