3 November 2017
Media: Rotorua Review
Topic: Reynold Macpherson comments re court case
Inquiry
Dropping you a line to request some comment from [CE] Geoff [Williams]. I noticed Reynold Macpherson has made a social media comment on the Review Facebook page under the story about the legal costs. I wanted to ask Geoff about two remarks in particular:
"officials ran up the $63,487.48 legal bill without permission from elected representatives to defend the CEO who got pinged publicly for having his thumb on the election scales."
AND:
"Readers will recall how he withheld the bad news about community satisfaction, ran massive advertorials that boosted incumbents, and openly celebrated with the mayor's election team in October 2016, instead of being politically neutral as required by constitutional convention."
- I wanted to ask Geoff whether these comments in any way contravene the confidential settlement agreed between council and Reynold that saw the legal case end?
- Secondly, if they do, is further legal action pending?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive Geoff Williams:
Reynold Macpherson's statements are inaccurate and defamatory. I am currently taking legal advice on my remedies.
His statements are also in breach of the settlement agreement reached between himself and Council which saw him abandon his court case to overturn the 2016 mayoralty result.
The mayor and elected members were respondents in the case and authorised the legal defence.
Council intends to abide by and enforce the terms of settlement, including the requirement for confidentiality. Council is also currently taking legal advice in respect of its next steps.