Auckland mayor Christine Fletcher has been accused of misusing her position to argue before the Regional Growth Forum last Thursday that her parents' Papakura farm should be rezoned for residential use.
Her "big emotional story" was "totally inappropriate," said Tony Holman, North Shore City councillor and growth forum member. "She was
using her position as mayor while crying, 'I'm a private citizen'. If it had been Joe Bloggs, they'd not have got a look in."
Allan Bell, Papakura District planning chairman and forum delegate, agreed. "One person got an opportunity to speak at the forum, where other people don't get that opportunity."
Alliance Auckland mayoral candidate Matt McCarten called it an attempt to "enrich her already well-off family".
Mrs Fletcher, who appeared with members of her family, said: "I took advice that you don't extinguish your rights as a private citizen when you become a public figure."
Feature: Local body elections 2001
www.localgovt.co.nz
