Take our footpath research in context, says firm's head

The head of Phoenix Research, David Fougere, has said one hour before a crucial vote on the future of Auckland city's historic red chip footpaths that councillors should not rely soley on his company's research.

Auckland City council's transport general manager Dr Stephen Rainbow told the Herald on Wednesday that the research was a "significant influence in terms of what we are now recommending".

But Mr Fougere said it was his understanding the research was only part of the officers' decision-making process.

"Had council taken the view that this was going to dictate their decision then one would have to say a more comprehensive research programme would have been called for," said Mr Fougere.

After speaking to the Herald earlier this morning, the council gagged Mr Fougere from answering further questions about information given to participants in the focus groups about the cost of red chip concrete and black chip concrete.

The officers have recommended abandoning red chip for black concrete across the city. The matter was due to be decided at a joint meeting of the transport and arts, culture and recreation committees at 1.30pm.

* An earlier version of this story said Mr Fougere had "issued a warning" on his company's report. This was not the case.