Vote of no confidence 'bewilders'

Featherston Community Board Member Lee Carter is "a very strong voice" her backers say. PHOTO/FILE

The news that Featherston Community Board Member Lee Carter is to face a vote of no confidence as chairwoman of the group has left some people in the town perplexed.

A notice issued by the South Wairarapa District Council states an extraordinary meeting will be held next Monday -- a move which Mrs Carter told the Times-Age had "pretty much come out of nowhere".

Youth advocate Hope Sexton, who lives in Featherston, said "no one saw this coming".

"I'm really disappointed in our councillors and our community board members. From my perspective, Lee has done a huge amount for the whole community."

Miss Sexton said Mrs Carter, who is in her second term on the board, had done a lot for the town and had not been afraid to speak out.

Mrs Carter would be sorely missed if stood down, she said.

"We are going to lose our voice in the local body sector. We're going to lose a very strong voice."

Miss Sexton said she would attend next Monday's meeting.

Spokesperson for Featherston Ratepayers and Residents Association (FRRA) Sue Fox said Mrs Carter had been actively involved in the community.

"We'll be keeping an eye on the situation from a FRRA perspective and we'll be sending a representative along to the meeting to observe the proceedings," Ms Fox said.

"We'll be waiting to see what matters of community interest will be on the agenda."

Former Plunket co-ordinator and Athletics Featherston committee member Tiffany North said she was "really surprised" to learn the meeting had been called.

She described Mrs Carter as "really approachable".

On the few times Mrs North had dealt with Mrs Carter, she had found her to be "really informative and easily accessible".

Brenda West, a Featherston resident of 10 years, said she was "shocked" Mrs Carter's chairmanship was on the line.

"I'm absolutely shocked and disappointed in the management of the situation.

"As a resident of Featherston I voted based on my faith that the person chairing the community board was the right fit for the community of Featherston."

Mrs West said Mrs Carter, a friend of hers, always put the welfare of the town first.

"She has been the most active chair I have seen in the last 10 years while I have been living here," Mrs West said. "We are perplexed as to how this occurred."