Referendum vote hits 30 per cent

The electoral office handling a Whangarei referendum is pleased at the high level of votes returned so far but has also been caught up in a spat between the backers of two of the proposed projects.

More than 30 per cent of eligible voters have returned voting papers - "a very good return", says Election Services.

There is no indication yet which way the vote is swinging over the three choices: the Harbourside maritime-themed museum and gallery complex, Hundertwasser Wairoa Maori Arts Centre or pulling down the building to create more green space.

But the latest argy-bargy concerning the matter has resulted in the pro-Hundertwasser Prosper Northland group complaining to Electoral Services over comments made by Harbourside frontman Wally Yovich.

Mr Yovich said he was just trying to put the "record straight" as the Deloittes report the referendum information pack cites "contains some outrageous faults in projected visitor numbers and dollars too".

In a letter published in today's Advocate, Mr Yovich said information supplied to the council by the financial analysts was wrong, and that the Harbourside project would make a profit. The Deloittes report suggested the Harbourside project would run at a loss of $420,000 per annum and the Hundertwasser Wairoa Maori Arts Centre would make $520,000.

"Their estimates are overstated," Mr Yovich said.

Ian Reeves, of Prosper Northland, has complained to Election Services director Dale Ofsoske about Mr Yovich's claims and asked Mr Ofsoske to publicly correct the comments.

Mr Ofsoske replied it was not his role to police the accuracy of claims made by proponents or opponents of options in the referendum, nor was it illegal for backers to make incorrect statements.

"Under the Local Electoral Act 2001 (LEA), the Electoral Officer is not required to make public announcements about perceived inaccuracies on such matters," he said.

Mr Ofsoske said he was satisfied the referendum voting pack provided correct and neutral information on which voters could base their decisions.

But Mr Reeves said he was concerned Mr Yovich's comments might sway people.

"Mr Yovich's comments are against all logic and research, they are contrary to four independent reports and are simply mischievous," he said.