V8 Decision Highlights Poor Decision Making

Having received numerous e mails, texts and phone call in regards to the V8 Supercar decision Council made last week, I thought that an explanation was necessary.

I was not at Council for the vote and did not hear the full debate although I was at some earlier meetings when the matter was raised. I have read the Auditor General’s report of the events surrounding the Hamilton V8 Supercar event that cost the ratepayer’s of Hamilton nearly $40.

There are two further reports from the New South Wales Auditor General and Capital Territory Auditor General which were critical of government investment in the super car series.

The council controlled organisation Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development known as ATEED, has the responsibility and budget to deliver events for Auckland. However, on this occasion it decided that it would seek the sanction of the Council to go ahead.

Councillors present at the meeting rightly asked ATEED for full disclosure of all information. In my view, when this was refused responsible councillors who are there to represent the ratepayers were left with no alternative than to vote no. This is how I would have voted.

Apart from the lack of risk assessment available to councillors, claims made by ATEED for the economic benefits coming back to Auckland are, in my view, highly speculative.

ENDS

© Scoop Media