Arts Centre project divides council

The new Whangarei District Council after being sworn in.

Sharon Morgan has been formally sworn in as Whangarei's new Deputy Mayor, but not all the members of the new council are happy about it, with Tricia Cutforth saying it would send the wrong message that the council was supportive of the controversial Hundertwasser Arts Centre.

Cr Cutforth, elected on to the council for the first time last month, said she did not want to start her first council meeting last Wednesday in such a manner, but she had to oppose Cr Morgan as the Deputy Mayor.

While she had great respect for her council colleague, Cr Cutforth said Cr Morgan was a strong proponent of the Hundertwasser Arts Centre (HAC) which has been a divisive project among the community.

"My concern is the message that this appointment sends to Whangarei people," Cr Cutforth said.

She said three of the other strong HAC proponents on the previous council - Warwick Syers, Kahu Sutherland and Jeroen Jongejans - did not get re-elected and she felt the appointment would send the signal that the council supported HAC.

Cr Cutforth said new Mayor Sheryl Mai supported HAC and having the Mayor and Deputy for the idea could send the wrong message.

She said Ms Mai has said she wanted to resolve the conflict over HAC, but given the mayor's support for HAC, Cr Cutforth thought the appointment might indicate the council was united behind HAC.

Cr John Williamson spoke in support of Cr Morgan, saying it would be very easy to be offended by Cr Cutforth's comments.

"This is not a one issue council. Sharon Morgan is one of the most hard working councillors going," he said.

Ms Mai said she was pleased there was debate over the issue but felt Cr Morgan was the right person for the job.

She said Cr Morgan had a determined attitude and the Mayor wanted the new council to show more determination.

"I believe Cr Morgan is the best candidate for the role and we will work together well as a team," Ms Mai said.