Tori Whānau ‘not surprised’ by government intervention in Wellington council – Te Ao Māori News

Mayor Tory Whānau says she accepts today’s announcement that the government will appoint a Crown monitor to oversee Wellington City Council, but she rejected allegations of financial mismanagement at the council and accused the government of being “punitive”.

The council has faced accusations of dysfunction over its failure to address problems related to its long-term plan budget. One council member who intends to run for mayor next year is calling for the local government’s equivalent of a snap election.

Despite all this, Mayor Tori Whānau insisted the council was functioning and capable of benefiting residents of the capital, but held a press conference this afternoon where she attended an observer but disagreed with some of the issues raised by the minister.

“I’m currently reviewing the draft terms of reference,” she said she discussed it with board members and sought advice from the CEO on next steps.

“In making his decision, the minister rightly pointed to instances where council members walked out of meetings, refused to vote, and publicly criticized each other and council staff.”

She also said she was “not too surprised” by the appointment, based on sentiments recently expressed.

She said she hoped the intervention reminded council members of the importance of their role in the community.

She also said some of Brown’s comments were surprising, including claims that Wellingtonians would be overcharged by $700 million over the next decade.

She said other councils had expressed concerns about the precedent it would set for government intervention at local council level.

“What I would like to see from the Prime Minister… is a commitment to localism, as they did before the election, working with local councils to help us find solutions to address our problems with increased insurance risk, water infrastructure and benefiting our communities.”

“What I have seen in the last hour is a great shock.”

Ministers have been threatening to interfere with the council’s work for more than a week, calling its recent behavior a “disarray”.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown made the announcement earlier today.

“This environment is not conducive to the council effectively managing the process of making amendments and adopting a long-term plan. Failure to address these issues is likely to have adverse consequences for Wellingtonians and taxpayers.

“The Department (of Home Affairs) believes that the appointment of a Crown monitor is necessary to enable Wellington City Council to better deal with the issue and to allow me to monitor progress in resolving it. I agree with their assessment,” Brown said.

“A Crown monitor will be appointed to assist the council in ensuring a financially sustainable long-term plan that prioritizes the capital expenditure programme.

“The government has written to Wellington City Council with the draft terms of reference and has given the council 10 working days to respond, as required by law.”