The Southland District Council will not reveal any details about a code of conduct matter discussed behind closed doors this week.
The issue formed the sole item of an executive committee meeting on Monday.
It was in its early stages, Mayor Rob Scott said.
The executive committee is made up of three members — Mr Scott, deputy mayor Christine Menzies and external member Bruce Robertson.
Cr Menzies could not comment but said she would later..
A council spokesperson said the executive committee would investigate the alleged breach and prepare a report for the council to consider in an open meeting.
The potential breach could remain secret, however, if it was determined under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) that it should.
Reasons for that could include a breach which related to the misuse of confidential information, or impingement on privacy relating to staff or the general public.
The council’s code of conduct is a 19-page document last updated in November 2022.
It covers such topics as the roles and responsibilities of elected members and the chief executive, relationships and behaviours, conflicts of interests and contact with media.
Information on the potential breach was withheld under LGOIMA from the report prepared for Monday’s meeting.
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