David Hay wants Crone prosecuted for billboard bylaw breaches

Auckland mayoral candidate David Hay wrote to the Auckland Council CEO on 8 April to request that he consider prosecuting Victoria Crone for breaching the Election Signs Bylaw. In his email, Mr Hay referred to an article published in the NZ Herald on 23 March.

Replying on behalf of the Chief Executive, on the 14th of April the electoral officer said: “In this instance, I understand that Council staff initiated discussions that resulted in Ms Crone’s billboards being taken down, and that the matter is now closed.”

But now, according to a Radio New Zealand report on 4 June, Ms Crone’s campaign team has continued to erect illegal billboards.

Mr Hay has now publicly renewed his call for a prosecution.

“This episode raises serious questions about Ms Crone’s respect for the rule of law. While putting herself forward for the leadership of Auckland Council, has knowingly and deliberately violated a city bylaw.” said Mr Hay.

Mr Hay says the recent bylaw violation was absolutely deliberate.

“Ms Crone got away with it the first time, she thinks she can get away with it again. The Auckland Council cannot ignore this matter and take the soft approach a second time. That would not be fair to the other candidates, who are adhering to the bylaw as they should.”

Mr Hay says Ms Crone should explain her actions in court, under oath.

“The citizens of Auckland should cast a vote in this year’s election with full knowledge of the facts. Only by taking a prosecution, requiring Ms Crone to explain and defend her actions on oath, in open court, will voters gain a proper understanding of her actions in having these billboards illegally erected.”

My Hay says that Ms Crone is a “scofflaw” who should not be standing for the office of mayor.

“The Auckland Council is a regulatory agency: it makes bylaws, regulations and policies that all citizens are expected to abide by. It must not be led by a person who is so arrogant as to think she is above the law and that the rules do not apply to her.”

ENDS

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