Official Information Request - outstanding legal costs owed

Sent: Thursday, 17 November 2022 4:43 pm
Subject: Official Information request - outstanding legal costs owed by incoming councillors

I refer to your online Official Information request of 17 November 2022 regarding outstanding legal costs owed by Rotorua District Council by incoming councillors.

On 20 October 2022, following his withdrawal of his application for judicial review against Rotorua District Council’s decision to pursue the Rotorua District Council (Representation Arrangements) Bill, the High Court ordered Robert Lee, now an elected member of Council, to pay Council $39,696.00 in costs.

The Court’s order was sealed on 7 November 2022, and on 15 November 2022, Council, via its lawyers, provided Mr Lee with a copy of the order. A copy of this order is attached.

RLC and Mr Lee are in discussion regarding the payment of these costs

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. The Ombudsman’s Office can be contacted by calling 0800 802 602, emailing info@ombudsman.parliament.nz, online at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz, or by post to The Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.

Publication of responses to LGOIMA requests

Please note: Our LGOIMA responses may be published on the Rotorua Lakes Council website after they have been responded to, with requesters’ personal details withheld. If you have any concerns about this please contact the Council on info@rotorualc.nz.

Regards