Councillor irked at wording on plaque

Photo: Greymouth Star
Photo: Greymouth Star

The wording on a plaque unveiled in Greymouth's new town square last Friday has raised the ire of a West Coast regional councillor.

Cr Allan Birchfield said at a meeting of the regional council in Greymouth yesterday that the wording, which stated the region was transitioning away from mining, was wrong.

He wanted the plaque removed and suggested taking a delegation to the Grey District Council calling for its removal or he might even "rip it off myself".

"Mining is on the up again," he said.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said the plaque and its wording had been determined by council staff.

He did not have a view either way on the matter and said it might be better for the council chief executive to comment.

Council chief executive Paul Pretorious said he would not like to comment other than to say there were formal proceedings and forums for councillors to raise concerns, and that the two councils worked together "quite well".

- By Chris Tobin

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