Homebush sewerage row reaches new level

Legal advice is being sought in all directions in the wake of the latest stormy episode of the Masterton District Council's ongoing sewerage saga.
The row erupted at this week's policy and finance committee meeting when Cr Lyn Patterson moved to shut down Cr David Holmes during debate around ''governance issues'' of the rates-crippling, $23 million wastewater upgrade at Homebush.
As it stands, the council has consent to build a border-strip treatment system, which costings are being sought for, and has also commissioned a preliminary assessment of an alternative treatment, via centre pivot irrigation, an option staunchly supported by Cr Holmes, who is also a Homebush farmer.
This information will come back to councillors ahead of their August decision on whether to change the current scheme.
During discussions over a presentation given by worried residents living next to the plant, Cr Holmes said he was the ''most affected neighbour of anybody'' and then moved to clarify the residents' points about spray drift from centre pivots.
At that point, Cr Patterson interjected, saying: ''I believe David has a bias and predetermination. I'm trying to keep an open view and I don't believe that's the case with you ... We continue to allow you to speak when you have shown bias.''
She asked that Cr Holmes be allowed to address the council as a ratepayer only, after saying his input at the council table jeopardised councillors' decision-making.
''It's not personal, David, that's my comment.''
Cr Holmes responded by saying he had legal advice with him which said he was allowed to take part in the debate.
Mayor Garry Daniell stepped in: ''David, I'd like to pause. I'd like to seek advice about your position and I'd prefer it if we could hold off this discussion until [this month's full council meeting].''
Cr Patterson moved a motion seconded by Cr Brent Goodwin that the council consult its solicitor and report back at the full meeting.
Asked by the Times-Age to provide his legal advice, Cr Holmes provided a letter from his lawyer, Hugh Rennie, stating he could debate and that ''any issue would be confined to voting where you might have a conflict''.
Cr Holmes said he had also written to Local Government New Zealand governance manager Mike Reid asking advice about the issue.
Wednesday's furore came after Cr Holmes' position was reportedly questioned behind closed doors at a council workshop, and was the latest public stoush since Cr Holmes accused council officers of holding back information during last year's resource consent hearings, an allegation chief executive Wes ten Hove rejected.