A 27-year-old clerical error at the Whangarei District Council has seen its newly elected members sworn in for the second time today.
The second ceremony was held after it was discovered councillors had inherited a 1989 error that has seen multiple elected councils pledging to protect the interests of the council - when they should have pledged to serve the district.
This morning the 14 elected members repeated almost verbatim a declaration they made at the inaugural council meeting on October 25, but with one major change.
Instead of declaring that they would perform in the best interests of "Whangarei District Council", the text which the members read today stated "in the best interests of the Whangarei District".
However, anyone hoping to see previous decisions being overturned following the revelation should remain calm, as WDC chief executive Rob Forlong said the faux pas had no effect on the legality of any council decisions.