Dannevirke: Council review welcomed

Tararua Mayor Roly Ellis.

Whether an external review of the Tararua District Council's governance policies, systems and processes achieves anything remains to be seen, former councillor Warren Davidson says.

The council is seeking an external review, by Local Government New Zealand, following negative comments on the way the council's governing body works.

And while Mr Davidson told the Dannevirke News he welcomed the review, he had concerns. "Whether this review addresses the real issues is to be seen. The issues I had weren't dealt with in a proper way."

Mr Davidson resigned suddenly from the council at its last meeting, citing bullying and abuse from the Mayor, Roly Ellis, and chief executive Blair King. He had been a Tararua councillor since 2001 and unsuccessfully contested the mayoralty in 2010, the year Mr Ellis was first elected to office.

"There are issues around transparency in the council too," he said. "A great deal of the council's procedures are held with the public excluded." At the time of his resignation he said he had been impressed by the current and former staff and elected members of the council, but with the exceptions of Mayor Ellis and Mr King. "Many people work above and beyond what is reasonable, but my ability to represent the community was severely compromised," he said.

Mr Ellis said providing an effective framework for opinions and public decision making was critical. "It is of paramount importance to our council and its constituents that we provide a fair, transparent and safe environment for community views and public decision making. We are undertaking this review to ensure our governing body meets these objectives.

"The council is aware of comments made by a former councillor [Mr Davidson] and it will be addressing those comments in due course.

LGNZ will undertake the review, and report, with recommendations, to the council by the end of the year.

Byelection

Mr Davidson's resignation from the council created an extraordinary vacancy for the south ward and anyone from Woodville, Pahiatua or Eketahuna and the surrounding country areas is eligible to stand for the vacancy.

Nominations close on Tuesday September 1. If an election is required voting papers will be delivered by October 6, with polling closing at noon on Wednesday October 28.

A byelection is required because the council only has the ability to fill an extraordinary vacancy by appointment if it falls within 12 months or less of a local body election date.