Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Councillor Suspension Lifted

Waikato regional councillors have today voted to lift a 15-month suspension imposed on elected member Fred Lichtwark.

In February last year Cr Lichtwark was suspended from all committees, subcommittees and other representative roles. However, he remained a member of the full Council which meets monthly and as required, continued to receive agendas and was able to sit in on all formal meetings.

The suspension followed an independent investigation under the Waikato Regional Council Code of Conduct for Elected Members into three complaints of angry and abusive behaviour in November 2020.

Following a review last September the suspension was extended until remedial actions were completed to the satisfaction of the regional council chair.

The matter was brought back to today’s meeting of council by Deputy Chair Kataraina Hodge, who said she felt it was time for it to be discussed again.

In a vote of 10-3, councillors passed a motion to lift the suspensions and sanctions imposed on Cr Lichtwark, enabling him to participate in all council activities including standing committees and workshops. Cr Russ Rimmington abstained from the vote.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Barry Quayle said: “Councillors have acknowledged the hurt that continues to be felt, but a majority feel there needs to be an end to the punishment to enable Cr Lichtwark to participate fully in decision making.”

A number of councillors said an apology from Cr Lichtwark was still required and, if made, would “help us to move on”. During the meeting Cr Lichtwark “totally” apologised for any upset he had caused.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Councillors then voted unanimously in favour of a motion reminding them all of their obligations – including those set out in the code of conduct and standing orders – and the expectation that any behaviour that could be interpreted as disrespectful, offensive or harassment is unacceptable.

An additional motion was then put for councillors to develop new processes and systems at a facilitated workshop next week to improve governance culture. The motion was unanimously supported, with the new processes and systems to be adopted at a subsequent meeting of council.

Cr Quayle said he regarded this as the most important matter for councillors to address.

“I am keen to embed a new culture of governance, where values and behaviours are clearly defined and agreed, to take us forward,” Cr Quayle said. “Doing this now will lay a solid platform for the new council coming in later this year.

“In the meantime, I want us to be able to share in vigorous debate, have a difference of opinion, but walk out of the chamber as mates,” he said.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.