RDC's process draws criticism

Majority rules but minority right

A proposed $2.6m super centre produced a $10m debate at the Rotorua District Council last week as the democratic process for the centre was questioned.

At an extraordinary meeting of the council one of the most robust debates in recent times unravelled over why the public had been kept out of the loop.

The RDC is proposing a $2.6m cost centre to streamline its customer services and to create more space for its burgeoning administration.

By the meeting's end, a tender for the customer service kiosk had been tabled, with a decision to proceed to the next stage of construction.

At issue was an apparent decision by the RDC to ignore the consultation process. For this an apology  twice  was given by chief executive Peter Guerin.

Mr Guerin said he did not think public consultation was needed through a ruling by an independent commissioner.

He apologised to councillors who felt miffed at not having been informed.

It is clear the the RDC is in breach of Local Government Act.

Cr Charles Sturt fruitlessly moved to delay the process by a maximum of three months to allow the public a say, but others were concerned at the cost  an outside estimation of $250,000  of that delay.

Cr Bob Martin chided Cr Maureen Waaka, who supported the plans, saying she was usually a stickler for ``process, process, process'' but appeared to circumvent it for expediency.

Cr Waaka had said since no notice of motion or three-day rule had been instituted to not go ahead, and as a commissioner had also been involved there was a ``firm realisation that we proceed with the super centre''.

Details of the centre had been presented in various documents, including the Annual Plan, but not in detail.

That detail included the fact the centre when not in use would deny public access to Kuirau Park via Haupapa Street and the Govt Gardens.

He apologised for this lack of detail, which councillors accepted. But he also pointed to a ``very supportive letter`` by original architect Sir Miles Warren, now retired in Christchurch. Sir Miles' letter of  ``support'' was later questioned by Cr Martin.

Cr Sturt said a process needed to be observed and ``we need to notify the public if we step out of that process.

Cr Janet Wepa asked why the issue had not been raised earlier and why it was raised at such a late hour.
Cr Maggie Bentley said one submission had been  held on the issue  from a ``supportive'' neighbour RSA  and why not others.

Cr Dave Donaldson said the council needed to set an example to encourage walking and such encouragement was not offered by putting up such structures.

``To me it becomes a matter of cost'' and it was unacceptable to incur further costs through delay.
Cr Mike McVicker said double standards were being applied and ``it's a bit of a rush job'', while Cr Karen Hunt said she could not support a motion to delay the decision because of cost.

``Yes, we will lose a wind-funnel but few people use the pass  let's show some leadership.''
Cr Julie Calnan said councillors understood ``the dire needs'' of our staff and could not support moves to delay the decision.

Deputy mayor and meeting chairman Trevor Maxwell said he took into account the concerns of two former mayors  John Keaney and Grahame Hall  who were appalled at what was happening.

``We are seen to be not be abiding by our own rules,'' Cr Maxwell said. ``Bring in the support of the people  that's why I support (Cr Sturt's) motion. I accept we could have done this a lot better.
``We gave a clear signal to our CEO and staff to move ahead, that was not a whim.''