Mahoney to chase ward seat

Kaitaia's Des Mahoney stood for regional council in 2007 and contested the Far North mayoralty three years before that.

Now he plans to contest one of three northern ward seats on the district council in October.

The trenchant critic of councillor Ian Bamber's chairmanship of Te Ahu Trust remains concerned about the trust's finances, despite mayor Wayne Brown taking over as chairman last year.

"They're asking for ratepayers to agree to more funds when no-one's been held accountable for the $1 million lost.

"That is what has pushed me to come out now and declare my hand."

Mr Mahoney plans to publicise at a press conference in Kaitaia tomorrow details of how the trust, charged with building the $15m Te Ahu Centre, has squandered money.

"A million dollars has been wasted on Te Ahu and ratepayers don't know all the facts," he says.

He promises more transparent financial reporting and prudent fiscal management if elected.

"The $1m that was spent on Te Ahu could have funded the Hokianga ferry and pensioner housing."

Underperforming council staff are in his sights, too.

"I don't believe it's right that staff should clip their daily attendance ticket when they're away doing their own business."

Mr Mahoney would be a natural ally of the current mayor if he is elected.

"I support the values that Wayne Brown has brought and is still trying to introduce into the council."

He believes he has redeemed himself since he was exposed as a Vietnam war veteran imposter before the 2004 local elections.

"I apologised to ratepayers.

"No man is rich enough to buy back his past, but he can make sure he doesn't make the same mistakes."

- © Fairfax NZ News