Mayor Issues Apology Following Council Breach of Confidentiality

Mayor Hardaker has issued the following statement:

The Waikato Times published in this morning’s newspaper an article about a public art project presented to Hamilton City Council’s Operations & Activity Performance Committee on Thursday 5 September 2013 in the public excluded section of the meeting.

MESH specifically sought confidentiality at the Committee meeting and that has been breached.

On behalf of the Hamilton City Council I apologise to MESH and to artist Michael Parekowhai for a breach of confidentially.

MESH, and contributors to MESH, are generous contributors to Hamilton and the Councillors and I continue to be extremely grateful for the work and contributions they make to Hamilton.

The report that came to the committee, chaired by Cr Martin Gallagher was for recommendation only. Councillors have since requested further information and the final decision will be before the Council on 26 September.

Ends

MESH Sculpture Hamilton

MESH Sculpture Hamilton is a charitable trust formed in 2010 by a group of business and community leaders to raise money for and commission nationally significant artworks, which are then gifted to the city. By working closely with Hamilton City Council and private landowners, MESH provides the opportunity for donors to see their contributions supporting a long-term philanthropic enterprise in line with the council’s public art plan.

MESH does not receive ratepayer funding.

Recognised members of the arts community make up the MESH Curatorial Panel, whose purpose is to ensure that the artwork for each site is responsive to the location, constructed from enduring, quality materials and of the highest artistic standard.

The MESH Board of Trustees put their energy behind the Curatorial Panel's recommendations, financing the artworks with funds raised from businesses and private individuals. The board members are local community leaders with the experience, business knowledge and vision to manage these broad-spectrum projects.

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