Council tight-lipped on Massey's departure

Ron Massey

Napier City Council is saying little about the departure of its economic development manger, Ron Massey.

Mr Massey had been on leave since last month and the council confirmed he had left the organisation as of Monday.

"Ron Massey no longer works for Napier City Council. We do not discuss employment matters," council chief executive Wayne Jack said, declining to answer further queries about Mr Massey's departure.

Mr Massey was a director of Nature Green (NZ) Ltd, a charitable company set up in 2006 as a fundraiser for disabled people.

It sold ginkgo trees to growers and bought back the leaf for use in alternative medicines popular in Asia.

It went into liquidation in 2012, owing $1.2 million.

Liquidator David Petterson blamed the company's failure on actions and inactions by Mr Massey and another director. He also questioned whether the council was liable for losses. Mr Massey used his council email for company business.

A High Court hearing in relation to legal action against the company, initiated by Mr Petterson, is set down for next week.

Police said this month they were investigating a fraud complaint from Mr Petterson relating to the company.

Mr Jack said the council was not involved in any proceedings relating to Nature Green.

Mr Massey declined to comment when contacted at home last night.