You're fired!

Democracy Northland is calling for the resignation of five councillors who supported a rate increase of 10.9%, despite near-unanimous opposition from the public.

In a media release, Democracy Northland said, 

“Clearly these councillors don't understand a councillor's role is to represent the communities that elected them. The communities they were elected to represent said “No” to 10.9%. They ignored those they say they represent.” 

The councillors are Ken Couper (Bream Bay Ward), Scott McKenzie (Hikurangi-Coastal), Deborah Harding (Māori Ward), Nicholas Connop and Carol Peters (Urban Ward).

Polling by Democracy Northland showed less than 1% of the community believed a 10.9% rate increase was fair. 

The motion to increase rates by 10.9% was lost 9 votes to 5. 

An alternative motion to increase rates by 7.9% was carried 11 votes to 3. 

The agenda item may be viewed here: WDC Agenda, Council Meeting, 6 June 2023. 

The staff report on the public feedback from the Council's consultation may be seen here >>> 

How they voted:

Motion: "That the Council approves increasing general rates by 10.9% for 2023-24..."

For: Cr's  Nicholas Connop, Ken Couper,  Deborah Harding,  Scott McKenzie and Carol Peters.

Against: His Worship the Mayor, Cr's Gavin Benney, Jayne Golightly, Phil Halse, Patrick Holmes, Marie Olsen, Simon Reid, Phoenix Ruka, Paul Yovich.

The motion was lost 5 to 9.

Motion: "That the Council approves increasing general rates by 7.9% for 2023-24..."

For: His Worship the Mayor, Cr's Gavin Benney, Jayne Golightly, Phil Halse, Patrick Holmes, Marie Olsen, Simon Reid, Phoenix Ruka, Paul Yovich, Nicholas Connop, Carol Peters

Against: Cr's  Ken Couper,  Deborah Harding,  Scott McKenzie.