Pressure on councillor to repay salary

Former Manukau city councillor Hugh Graham is under pressure to repay the public salary he earned while campaigning for parliament in the Cook Islands.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown is also under fire for not taking action after being told of Graham's plans early this year.

Graham resigned this week after criticism of his absence.

Brown confirmed he had urged Graham to serve out his term, despite knowing he may run in the Cook Islands.

Councillor Dick Quax said the council should ask Graham to repay his salary. Councillor Daniel Newman said Brown should have advised Graham to quit sooner.

Graham wanted more time to answer questions.