Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s chief of staff, Jaswant “Jazz” Singh, has left his role after it emerged that a company he owned was in liquidation, owing $560,000 to Inland Revenue, RNZ has reported.
Singh, listed as the sole director of Traxx Investments, had been on leave while Auckland Council conducted a review into the company’s insolvency. The council confirmed Singh had now stepped aside following the conclusion of the investigation.
Auckland Council Chief Executive Phil Wilson said a review into Singh’s business interests found that appropriate declarations had been made, and there was no evidence of impropriety or conflict with his responsibilities. However, Wilson confirmed that he and Singh had agreed it was best for Singh to leave his role in the Office of the Mayor.
As of Tuesday, Singh has transitioned into a new role within the council as project lead of executive projects in the chief executive’s office, according to a council spokesperson, RNZ reported. Tamsyn Matchett has been appointed as acting chief of staff for the mayor.
Wilson noted that Singh should have raised the potential liquidation with both himself and Mayor Brown. He said Singh stepping aside would avoid further distractions during the final months of the electoral term.
Wilson also acknowledged Singh’s contributions during his 14-year tenure with the council, including his time in the mayor’s office. He added that for continuity, Singh would continue with some project work from his office for the time being.
Mayor Brown praised Singh’s leadership and work, particularly his role in setting up the Auckland Future Fund. Brown described the development as disappointing but agreed that stepping aside was the appropriate course of action under the circumstances.
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