31 July 2024
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Council meeting interaction and notice of motion
Enquiry
I spoke to councillor Maxwell about the exchange between yourself and him at last week's meeting and have the below for response please. Of course appreciate any other comment too that is not covered by the response or answers to questions.
I do want to provide time for response so if you were able to get something to me by 8pm that would be magic, thank you.
Councillor Trevor Maxwell said, following the exchange, he's disappointed, frustrated and ashamed.
"One of my biggest regrets now, ten years ago I helped Tania get on council."
He said his daughters told him there were social media posts calling out the way the mayor shut him down.
He said councillors are entitled to ask questions but he was shut down each time he tried. He said he believed the notices of motion were legitimate and was genuinely seeking clarity on why they were denied as he had not seen it happen as often as it had been during this council.
He said the mayor would not let Oonagh answer the question when he directly asked.
"I found it very demeaning."
He said he had tried to speak in as polite a way as possible.
"I'm still disappointed in the way she handled it."
"It seems I'm not allowed to express how I feel."
He said he had been a councillor long enough to know you win some, you lose some and he would lick his wounds and carry on.
"I think Tania needs to look at the video and assess her own behaviour."
He said he had not spoken with the mayor since that day.
I also have the below social media post by Rawiri Waititi I would like to offer for response and comment please (putting all of it below so all in one place)
“As the MP for Waiariki I am appalled by the actions of Mayor Tania Tapsell during the Rotorua Lakes Council hui last week towards Councillor Trevor Maxwell and the Rotorua rōpū @mataaramai
Indigenous rōpū Mataara Mai’s presentation of their petition asking Rotorua Lakes Council to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, was blocked last week despite their 1,180 petition signatures and 60 letters of support, one from myself included.
Highly respected rangatira and Councillor Trevor Maxwell who is also Aotearoa’s longest-serving councillor, respectfully asked if there had been a change of rules regarding the notices of motion that were declined for Mataara Mai to be able to present. The way Mayor Tapsell conducted herself in response was unacceptable.
The rōpū Mataara Mai filed the petition in accordance with the rules to be heard at the council meeting. But the petition was refused and they were not allowed to speak.
Other local authorities across Aotearoa have passed similar motions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza including Far North District, Christchurch City, Nelson City and Whanganui District Councils.
As the MP for Waiariki and Co-Leader of Te Pāti Māori I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Our aroha is with all those who have lost whānau and friends and our kotahitanga is with the indigenous communities fighting for their survival in the Palestinian occupied territories.
As the electorate MP for Waiariki I have been proud see the solidarity demonstrated by our whānau in Aotearoa and particularly across the Waiariki in support of our indigenous whanaunga of Palestine.
We are not free as indigenous people until we are all free. Free Palestine.”
-What do you think of Maxwell's comments?
-What do you think of the exchange?
-Will you address the matter with Maxwell and if so, how?
-Has anyone raised the issue with you and how so?
-What do you think of the criticism from those on social media, including Waititi?
-Have you reflected on the exchange and how do you feel?
-Do you stand by how you handled that situation or wish you had done something differently? Please explain.
-Any other comment?
Response
Mayor Tapsell provided the following comment:
“We have a really important job to do on Council and wasting time talking about each other is an unnecessary distraction. I remain focused on delivering for the community and creating a better Rotorua for all.
“It’s disappointing to hear these comments from Councillor Maxwell as I spoke to him immediately after the meeting and thought we had moved on.
“Councillors were informed one week prior to the meeting that bringing this matter to Council had been declined as it is not the role of Council to be involved in these types of international affairs, especially conflict. I even reminded them they’re welcome to ask questions or be provided with any information and advice they needed to understand this. So raising it on the day in such a disorderly manner was a distracting political statement that hasn’t helped anyone.
“Despite some criticism about a small part of this meeting, I have also received messages of support.
“Councillor Maxwell has never been part of my campaign team. I was elected on my own merits and am grateful for the strong community support that I continue to receive for my leadership, focus, and the progress we’re making.”
Please also note, that the line in the comments you’ve provided [regarding filing of the petition in accordance with the rules to be heard at the council meeting] is incorrect. Please see Notice of Motion Assessment as to why this matter was refused.
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Media: Te Ao Maori News
Topic: Council meeting interaction and notice of motion
Enquiry
A video of a council hui is circulating on social media showing an exchange between Mayor Tapsell and Councillor Maxwell. Some are calling it disrespectful on the Mayors behalf.
We’d appreciate some time for a zoom interview with her today to talk about the exchange.
Failing an interview, can we please get a statement from her that may cover the followin
- What was the exchange about? Can you confirm that it was the Mayors decision not to allow a motion for the council to call for a ceasefire in Gaza?
- Why wouldn’t the Mayor let the Councillor explain his frustration
- Would the Mayor have handled the situation differently.
Response
The following was provided by the Office of the Mayor:
What was the exchange about? Can you confirm that it was the Mayors decision not to allow a motion for the council to call for a ceasefire in Gaza?
It was not the Mayor’s decision to decline a motion and petition. This was assessed against the Council’s Standing Orders. There had been prior correspondence between the Chief Executive and Mataara Mai explaining that unfortunately the matter didn’t meet the necessary requirements of being related to Council business and was an international affairs matter for Government to address.
Why wouldn’t the Mayor let the Councillor explain his frustration?
As mentioned during the meeting, the Councillor was speaking out of order and not complying with Standing Orders of the meeting. Mayor Tapsell and Councillor Maxwell spoke immediately after the meeting to get a shared understanding of the issue.
Would the Mayor have handled the situation differently?
Councillors were informed one week prior to the meeting that bringing this matter to Council had been declined. Mayor Tapsell had reminded Councillors at that time that there is always opportunity to ask questions beforehand so they can be provided with information and any advice they need.
