Lawyer to lead probe into WDC sackings

INQUIRY LEADER: Simon Stokes. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Review team aiming to reach outcome by end of next week

Auckland lawyer Simon Stokes has been appointed to lead the review team that will look into Whangarei District Council CEO Mark Simpson's sacking of his assistant for signing the nomination form for a mayoral candidate and another of his staff who has done some work for a second mayoral candidate.

A review of the circumstances around Mr Simpson's sacking of Jan Walters for signing the nomination form for mayoral candidate Stan Semenoff, and another of his staff, executive assistant Ford Watson, being allowed to help mayoral candidate Warwick Syers with advice on some of his election statements is being carried out.

A review committee of three councillors - Acting Mayor Phil Halse, Jeroen Jongejans and John Williamson - and Mr Stokes, who was appointed yesterday, will look into the situation.

Mr Stokes, who works for Auckland law firm Dawson Harford and Partners, is a specialist in commercial litigation, employment matters, mediation and arbitration, Mr Jongejans said.

He said it was important that the chair was independent and had no ties to Northland and the review team would start its work on Monday and hopefully have an outcome ready by the end of next week.

"We've got the right expertise around the table and we'll get on to do this as quickly as possible and report back to the full council. We have to do it properly and ensure all process are carried out correctly," Mr Jongejans said.

The review team would report back to the council with its findings and possibly a recommendation. The full council would then discuss the matter and it would be up to the full council whether to release the outcome publicly.

Mr Jongejans said given the high level of public interest in the matter, it was vital that the review team acted promptly and properly to ensure it was handled correctly.

While Mr Stokes is not from Northland, he has done work related to the region.

His profile on the Dawson Harford website says he has previously advised McConnell Dowell in respect of a claim against Northland District Health Board arising out of refurbishment (in particular air conditioning) to Whangarei Hospital.

Mr Stokes has also previously advised New Zealand Refining Company, which operates the Marsden Point Oil Refinery.