The Queenstown Lakes District Council has called in big city lawyers to deal with bankrupt developer Basil Walker.
Yesterday, Mayor Vanessa van Uden wrote to Mr Walker - a strident writer and submitter over the use of ratepayer funds - warning him he faces legal action if he repeats ''defamatory comments''.
Auckland Crown solicitors Meredith Connell had been given instructions, she said.
The letter, copied to the media just as Mr Walker's correspondence has been, said on numerous occasions Mr Walker's correspondence had become ''increasingly abusive to council staff and contained defamatory comments''.
''To date, we have not stifled robust debate and demonstrated a high level of tolerance.
''However, the degree of inaccuracy and the frequency of your defamatory comments have reached a point where the council will show no further tolerance,'' the letter said.
Last night, Mr Walker said: ''It's just rubbish and it is trying to avoid prudent use of ratepayers' funds.''
His emailed response to Ms van Uden said if he had defamed a councillor she should name the member and the supposed defamation.
- David Williams
