There's scepticism from some as to whether a Crown observer will help Wellington City Council.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown is appointing an observer over concerns for the council's financial management.

But councillor Tim Brown says many councillors think it will provide advice and help them work together better, but he's not convinced.

Tim Brown says he thinks Simeon Brown's putting the observer there to undermine the council.

"He's put somebody in the room so that they can go to him and say - hey Simeon, it's not working, let's fire these guys and move on."

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