The Knowledge Hub Programme intends to bring the different projects within Council, the different stakeholders and the different and unclear governance structures under one banner. However, to do this, Council requires support.

Included in this programme are at least three projects; a public facing spatial plan, commercial and stakeholder negotiations over outcomes and deliverables, and a major decision on a Council asset that requires significant maintenance or potentially removal.

In totality, these projects work together, often overlap, and influence each other, but the potential for positive outcomes in this area is significant.

The outcomes for the programme should be a revitalised inner-city drawcard of Whangarei.

The programme could bring together existing, and attract new external, knowledge and education sectors, arts and performance sectors and conference sectors, into a space that is supported by accommodation, daily amenities and services (e.g. medical and childcare) retail and hospitality. Key existing cornerstones of the precinct are the prominent civic functions, as well as a rejuvenating local environment.

The many facets to this work require coordination and synchronisation of a capable programme manager to ensure that a cohesive programme is established, and the vision is delivered in a timely, efficient and cost-effective way.

This procurement is to find a Programme Manager that is able to support the process in the following key ways:

• being accountable for the development of a programme involving spatial planning and capital projects across multiple sites and numerous stakeholders.

• ensuring the alignment and management of projects through the application of benefits and stakeholder management and programme governance while at the same time ensuring Council’s compliance with relevant procurement policies and decision-making processes.

• managing competing priorities and complex stakeholder engagement and management with hapū, public sector bodies and agencies, Elected Members, Council staff and the wider public. The programme will require understanding and working across multiple professional disciplines within a constrained budget.

It is envisaged that this Programme Manager will be engaged for a period of 12 months, however these details will be negotiated with the preferred respondent.