Wellington International Airport and a conflict of interest for the Mayor

Tena koe Wellington International Airport ,

During this week it is my intention as the Political Busker to file in proceedings before the Environment Court on a Wellington City Council decision to put buses through Manners Mall.

I consider this decision is inconsistent with present law and note that as a director of Wellington International Airport , the Mayor has a conflict of interest. At this juncture I have not ascertained if the director’s fees are earned for the Mayor or the Council – yet consider this information secondary in importance as relative against direct Airport business that could cross the Council table.

I presently see this conflict as two fold:

1. I am advised the Mayor has taken over the leadership of the Transport portfolio.

a. This move in my opinion directly compromises the public interest to favour transport matters with bias to international flight.

2. In a Strategy and Policy Committee meeting of October 09 2008, Schedule 2 was implemented and approved as supported for all financial provisions relative to the Manners Mall decision. That schedule involved Infratil (66% shareholders of WIAL) an integrated role in approving the ‘corridor plan’ from Ngauranga Gorge to the Airport and elected by ‘route – planning’ the Manners Mall proposal and option to ‘quicken’ thoroughfare. This integration compromised the public interest for the Mayor’s status with the Airport.

a. As subject to judicial review, the above proposal and option was not made open to the public, although the language used in the Council relative texts suggests wrongfully and in misleading accord that it was. This information if held in review identifies ‘corruption’ from within the executive and I suggest brings the Mayor’s association with the Airport into disrepute.

I wish to advise you further that while my information in the Environment Court is considered to the environment matters this should not detract for your own consideration that my allegations will not hold relevance, public interest and thereafter be disclosed.

Subsequent to providing WIAL with this information I seek an address in Wellington City where I can serve documents to keep the Airport informed.

Respectfully,
Benjamin Easton
The Political Busker

ENDS

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