22 November 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Elected members' Code of Conduct complaints
Enquiry
I understand there are new code of conduct complaints against councillor Reynold Macpherson, and one against councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait.
Can the council please provide an attributable comment on:
- How many active code of conduct complaints are there at the moment? My (confirmed) understanding is one each from Jean-Paul Gaston, Shirley Trumper and Justin Adams against Reynold Macpherson and one from Reynold Macpherson against Merepeka Raukawa-Tait. Are there any others and if so, who are the complainants, and what and who have they complained about?
- I understand all complaints against Reynold Macpherson have been referred to Audit and Risk - has the complaint against Merepeka Raukawa-Tait been referred to Audit and Risk?
- Are the new complaints against Macpherson being bundled with these complaints or are they progressing separately?
- Can I please have an update on those complaints - are they still before A&R or have they been resolved - if so, how?
- Can the council please estimate how much time and money it has spent on dealing with code of conduct complaints in 2021? If that's not possible in the time frame can you please provide a general comment on the time and cost impact on the council of code of conduct complaints in 2021?
- Has the council received legal advice regarding these latest three complaints against Reynold Macpherson and or the one against Merepeka Raukawa-Tait?
Could the mayor please comment on:
Her view of the latest three complaints (JP's, Shirley's and Justin's) against Reynold Macpherson
Her view of the complaint against Merepeka Raukawa-Tait
Her view of the time and cost impact of code of conduct complaints this term
What her expectation is of whether the issues in the latest, active code of conduct complaints will be resolved.
I am after this by EOB today please.
Some comments to provide for the right of reply for the council/mayor, below.
With this included, I can revise that deadline to midday tomorrow, November 19.
Thanks
Felix
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COMMENTS:
Reynold Macpherson:
"In recent days I have been served notification of two more complaints to the Mayor from the Chief Executive. They are in addition to the complaint lodged in April that I boycotted and which is still unresolved."
"I indicated to Her Worship a few days ago that I am taking legal advice and will provide the Audit and Risk Committee with my views of the content of these three complaints and the overall process in the next few weeks."
"In general, I regard these complaints as vexatious because they appear to be orchestrated, intended to suppress normal political discourse, and confuse the role of the Mayor in the complaints process with that of the Chief Whip of the Labour Party Caucus."
Macpherson said the code of conduct complaints process was, in his opinion, "part of a wider campaign of choking criticism to retain power"
"For example, Cr Raukawa-Tait, Chair of Strategy, Policy and Finance, cancelled my speaking rights at the Public Hearings of the Representation Review, triggering another complaint to the Ombudsman, yet to be determined.
"Another example is how that mayor’s power bloc and officials deferred discussion about converting Springfield Golf Course into housing, parking and a national Māori sports and recreation centre (aka Westbrook), despite a Council majority decision not to defer.
"A third example is the Council’s proposed gerrymander to double the voting power of those on the Māori Roll. Recent Hearings showed that the proposal and co-governance are very poorly supported compared to proportionate and democratic representation through 3 Māori councillor seats and 7 General seats that match electoral populations.
"All these examples add up to an entitled ruling elite using dirty politics and the Code of Conduct to silence those who are opposed to them remaining in power."
ENDS
Response
The reporter was advised Mayor Chadwick would not comment at this time as these matters are still currently with the Audit and Risk Committee.
From Oonagh Hopkins, DCE District Leadershhip and Democracry:
The process relating to 5 active Code of Conduct complaints against Cr MacPherson is not yet completed so it’s not inappropriate to discuss or comment on details at this time. Details will be made public at the appropriate time.
There are no active Code of Conduct complaints against any other elected members.
Time and cost impacts relating to breaches of the code that elected members agree to at the beginning of their term are dependent on the number and complexity of complaints, and whether they are resolved informally or need to be referred to the Audit & Risk Committee.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Trucks using Tarewa Road
Enquiry
I am speaking with Tarewa Rd residents this morning about an issue they are having with large trucks cutting through their roads. They have decided to put up their own sign.
Is someone from the able to respond to the questions below:
Questions:
Is it illegal for trucks to do this? Or is it just not recommended?
Could their sign potentially be breaking a bylaw?
Is there anything more the council can do to help them? Will a reduced speed sign, as mentioned below, help?
Response
From DCE Infrastructure and Environmental Solutions, Stavros Michael:
We note that this is a public road. Vehicles including trucks, unless they are over 55 tonnes, are permitted to use public roads such as Tarewa Road.
Improvements were undertaken on Tarewa Road two years ago including traffic calming in the form of a new speed hump and a small roundabout to address concerns with speed and to improve pedestrian safety. In addition to that, new pavement and surfacing, footpaths, recessed bus stops and car parking were also added.
The latest traffic count data (Oct-21) indicates an average daily traffic volume of 3,151 vehicles per day with 0.4% of that being heavy vehicles.
Rotorua Lakes Council is open to putting advisory signs in place to help assist with the traffic speed but cannot restrict legally certified vehicles from using this or any other road. We will continue to work with the residents to ensure legitimate concerns are heard and any legally enforceable actions are taken when possible.