Department seeks assurances from ICC

Tim Shadbolt. Photo: ODT files
Tim Shadbolt. Photo: ODT files
"Significant conflict" at the Invercargill City Council has resulted in the Department of Internal Affairs seeking assurances it can govern effectively.

The council meets today to consider appointing an independent adviser to help cool tensions between elected representatives and between councillors and staff.

"Under local government legislation, councils are accountable to their communities, rather than to ministers, for their actions and decisions," Internal Affairs ministerial advice, monitoring and operations director Anita Balakrishnan said.

"The department is seeking assurance and evidence that it is taking proactive steps to restore trust and confidence in its ability to meet the Crown’s and ratepayers’ expectations of a high-performing council."

The department was working with the council to support it to resolve "significant conflict among elected representatives", Ms Balakrishnan said.

The ICC said the department had sent a letter to the council asking for information so it could provide advice to Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta on what action she might take under Part 10 of the Local Government Act.

Part 10 allows the minister to assist or intervene in local authority matters if necessary.

The department raised concerns in the letter, following recent media coverage of the council’s activities.

"The move comes as ongoing tensions between elected members, and, at times, between elected members and staff, have regularly been subject of public, media, and social media debate," a statement from ICC said.

In July, councillors questioned whether Mayor Tim Shadbolt was able to effectively carry out his duties.

Earlier this month, deputy mayor Toni Biddle said she was "blindsided" by a code of conduct complaint laid against her by ICC chief executive Clare Hadley.

Ms Biddle said she found out about the complaint from the media.

Sir Tim said any opportunity to strengthen the work being done by the ICC was welcomed by all elected members.

"Differences of opinion are vital to any democracy, and we will work within this review to demonstrate democracy is alive and well in our city," he said.

"In the interests of everyone, differences of opinion need to be respected, while a democracy aims to resolve its differences and support its community with clear leadership."

Ms Hadley said a focus on a strong democratic process was essential to ensure sound decision-making.

"Local government can appear to others as slow and frustrating, but our processes are in place for a good reason, to ensure all options are canvassed and decisions are made thoughtfully ..."

Ms Balakrishnan said it was not unusual for councils to experience management problems, and they were expected to resolve those issues themselves.

"Once we’ve heard back [from ICC] we will consider the steps it is taking and continue to support it to work through this process."

mike.houlahan@odt.co.nz

 

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