Promises that Christchurch City would become more open and transparent are not being kept, Progressive Wigram MP Jim Anderton says.

He’s making a series of official information requests after discovering disquieting information about the closed tendering process at the Council.

At last year’s local body election, Mayor Bob Parker promised “to Increase Transparency Around Decision Making.” http://www.votebob.co.nz/latest-news/47-mayor-bob-parker-promises-to-increase-transparency-around-decision-making

“If re-elected my main focus will be implementing a new communication and consultation policy,”Mayor Parker promised last year. “I can’t see any reason why by the end of the next term we can’t be known as the most open and transparent council in New Zealand.”

He promised to, “Make it a priority to ensure that the staff culture of CCC is one of openness and support for our citizens.”

But city councillors are now being forced to go to the Auditor-General with complaints about the secretive way consultant contracts are being handled and with complaints about the process for appointing the council chief executive.

Jim Anderton is disappointed the city council hasn’t followed through with the promise of more openness and transparency.

“There has never been a time when it’s been more important for Christchurch to come together and involve everyone in our decision-making. Instead we are seeing huge contracts being let without tender and without disclosure. We are seeing decisions being made behind closed doors, and we are seeing elected councillors being told to sit down and be quiet when they express opinions.”

Jim Anderton is investigating a number of issues, including the appointment of consultants, and large contracts let without tender.

“In one case an Australian company was given a contract for control and supply of earthquake fencing without tender, when established local companies had the ability to supply the required materials,” Jim Anderton says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media