Industry observers were a little surprised to see respected Auckland Regional Transport Authority marketer Shelley Watson score the top Public Affairs role at the new Auckland Council, while the role she effectively exited (in the shape of  the new Auckland Transport Public Affairs role) was taken by Public affairs Manager at Waitakere City, Wally Thomas.   While the next tier of appointments has not yet been announced it is expected that a number of the next level managerial appointments will be made from within existing Council communications teams.   Meanwhile Marketing and Events Manager at Manukau City Council, Donna Baker, hasn’t wasted any time landing a new senior role in Wellington as Head of Marketing and Communications for the Accident Compensation Corporation .  Other senior local government communications professionals are also landing private sector appointments such as contractor Matt Poland who is moving from Auckland City to Vector.