Confidential memos detailing a councillor's alleged outburst at a meeting with Whangarei's mayor have been posted on an Internet website.
The outburst allegedly happened at a meeting between outspoken councillor Frank Newman, Mayor Pamela Peters and council chief executive officer Mark Simpson.
Following the meeting, Mrs Peters had today planned to oust Mr Newman as chairman of two Whangarei District Council committees and potentially bar his access to council staff. Mrs Peters said she had support for the move from most other councillors.
But Cr Newman quit his chairmanship roles late yesterday, vowing to stay on as a councillor and "continue to be an outspoken advocate for ratepayers".
The WDC has posted on its website confidential memos detailing the May 25 meeting between the mayor, Mr Simpson and Cr Newman.
The meeting was to have included a discussion about Resource Management Act applications by Mr Newman, but deteriorated after an alleged outburst by Mr Newman.
Mrs Peters later issued a press statement saying Mr Newman had to be removed from his committee posts because of alleged "inappropriate behaviour" at the meeting.
However, Mr Newman issued a statement announcing his resignation as chairman of the council's judicial and reference resolution committees.
He said when he was elected to council he promised to speak without fear or favour and stand up for ratepayers.
"This has clearly upset some people and the political retaliation against me ... is disgraceful," he said. "Given the choice between compromising my independence and toeing the mayor's line or continuing to stand up for the rights of ratepayers, then I clearly have no choice.
"I have therefore ... tendered my resignation from all chairmanships."
Mr Newman could not be contacted for further comment.
Mrs Peters was aware that the confidential memos - which she said were confidential only between her and Mr Simpson - were on the WDC's website.
She said they had been placed there by council staff after she had received legal advice on the matter.
The mayor said she felt the committee changes were necessary, but would not comment on Mr Newman's resignation from his chairmanship roles.
"This is about setting a standard regarding the relationship between the mayor and councillors, and, in turn, the councillors and staff," she said.
"We must ensure that we all act with transparency and accountability in all matters. It is vital to ensure that relationships between councillors and staff are protected.
"Cr Newman has made a number of criticisms of chief executive Mark Simpson and environmental services manager Ian McAlley and I reject these criticisms entirely. These two people have worked tirelessly for the organisation and their actions are beyond reproach."
Mrs Peters said she had discussed the proposed changes with most councillors and had received a supportive response.
"Whangarei is going though a very exciting stage and we have a great council of people who largely work very well together and I will not have that stability and our credibility threatened," she said.
"I want to see the emphasis placed on the important issues for the district and managing those issues creatively and successfully.
"They include the growth and optimism of the district, protecting our environment and enhancing our community spirit.
"That is where I am going to place my focus and I encourage us all to move in that direction as a strong team with a shared purpose."
Councillor quits roles amid WDC ruckus
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