Claims of council bullying to be probed

Warren Davidson

Tararua District Council will undertake an external review after declarations of "bullying" and "unacceptable behaviour" were levelled at the council's mayor and chief executive by a former councillor.

Warren Davidson, a fourth-term councillor, resigned after reading out a statement at a Tararua District Council meeting on July 30.

He told the meeting he had been subject to "unacceptable behaviour from them [mayor Roly Ellis and chief executive Blair King] which I consider bullying and abusive" and was being prevented from effectively representing his ratepayers.

Yesterday the council confirmed that Local Government New Zealand would conduct an external review of its governance policies, systems and processes.

Mr Davidson said he had not been contacted by LGNZ or the mayor yet in regards to the review, but said "the deputy mayor rang me to let me know".

"I'm a little surprised about the situation, but can't say if I approve of the outcome yet," he said.

"It depends on what the review actually reviews."

Mr Davidson said he appreciates the support the community has expressed and still stands by his resignation.

"Yes. I feel it was the right thing to do," he said.

"For probably a fortnight it was quite busy with messages from everyone so just lately I have been trying to sort out some cards to reply to people."

Mr Ellis said that providing an effective framework for opinions and public decision-making is critical to Tararua District Council.

"It is of paramount importance to our council and its constituents that we provide a fair, transparent and safe environment for community views and public decision-making. We are undertaking this review to ensure our governing body meets these objectives."

He said council is aware of comments made by Mr Davidson and it will be addressing those comments in due course.

"We have asked Local Government New Zealand to perform a review of its code of conduct and governance policies to ensure they are working as intended and are meeting governance best practice."

"This will include the council's approach to post-election induction; the use of elected member briefings on topical and emerging issues; and the use of techniques for assessing governance health," said Mr Ellis.

LGNZ will undertake the review and report, with recommendations, to the council before the end of 2015.