Former mayor Warren Cooper says it is a healthy sign the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce has gone public about the appointment of the next chief executive for the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
On Thursday, the chamber issued a statement saying it was "time for a change" and urged the council to prioritise financial skills when they choose the chief executive.
This sparked an angry reaction from Mayor Clive Geddes, who described the chamber's actions as "repugnant and offensive", adding it was "laughable" the chamber thought it should be involved in the process of hiring a new CEO.
Yesterday, when approached for comment, Mr Cooper described Mr Geddes' reaction as "peculiar", pointing out the mayor used to be the chamber's chief executive.
"When I was mayor and he was the chamber CEO, he had plenty to say about what the council should think or do. This is like the pot calling the kettle black."
"I find it not only natural, but very important that businesses are vitally interested in this appointment," Mr Cooper said.
While most local companies spoken to yesterday did not wish to comment, businessman Sir Eion Edgar was surprised by the chamber's statement.
"The decision on the appointment of the chief executive is for the council alone to make. That is what they are elected to do. But any sensible councillor should take note of public opinion and ask stakeholders, including the local business community, what they think about an important matter like this," he said.
"In my dealings with the council, I have found Duncan Field to be very professional," he said.
Mr Cooper said there was a need for "improved stewardship in town", aiming his words at the councillors as well.
"The council should stop wasting money on consultants, trim back staff and try to become a leading unit of local government in New Zealand.
"To do so, it is important that councillors as a team act as decision makers rather than rubber-stampers," Mr Cooper said.
QLDC councillors approached for comment yesterday were surprised by the chamber's statement "all council decisions and expenditure are based on the CEO's recommendations and directions".
Cr Leigh Overton said: "The board members of the chamber are entitled to their opinion about the CEO appointment.
But they are underestimating the councillors' ability to make their own decisions.
The decisions and votes are made by the councillors alone, and the CEO then has his own delegated authority within the budget that the council has approved."
Cr John S. Wilson, deputy mayor, said there were many applicants for the chief executive position, and several candidates were being interviewed.
He expected the final decision would be made before the end of this month.
