A concept image of the new, controversial pool. Photo / File
Napier City Council is willing to attempt to settle legal proceedings over a new $41.3 million aquatic centre out of court, but those opposing the pool say it is too late.
On Tuesday, the councilagreed it would be happy to defer the scheduled court case and attempt to settle.
The offer to attempt a settlement was originally made by the Friends of the Onekawa Aquatic Centre Society. However, they withdrew the offer on Monday, and the dispute seems destined for the courtroom.
The Society's lawyer, Martin Williams, said its court case would go ahead, and the council's decision had not changed the society's mind.
The notice of motion to defer the case was originally drafted by Cr Kirsten Wise prior to the society announcing it was no longer prepared to attempt an out of court settlement.
Wise then withdrew the motion following the Society's announcement.
The out-of-court suggestion was then moved again by Cr Annette Brosnan and seconded by Cr Keith Price.
Brosnan said she is in two minds about the legal proceedings.
"On the one hand I don't want to spend one more cent of ratepayers' money against ratepayers in this legal action."
She said on the other hand a judicial ruling on council's process would benefit the city.
"To have a judicial ruling on that would be good for the city in two ways, one - if it was in favour of the city then it confirms we are doing the right process.
"Conversely, if it shows we were not, then it has really highlighted a culture issue for us being able to critically look at our own processes and listen when they are challenged."