Parker erupts at councillors

STACY SQUIRES/Fairfax NZ

FURY: Christchurch mayor Bob Parker has lashed out at councillors who oppose his travel plans with his wife Jo Nicholls-Parker.

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Mayor Bob Parker has lashed out at city councillors who oppose his plans to visit Christchurch's sister cities with wife, accusing them of cheap politicking.

In a fiery address, Parker told councillors that even if they pulled funding for his trip he would still go "because it was that important''.

He said the personal denigration he, and particularly his wife, Jo Nicholls-Parker, had endured over the planned trip was unwarranted and had been very upsetting.

"My wife, through no fault of her own, has had to endure the slings and arrows of narrow-minded people for doing nothing more than being my partner,'' Parker said.

Challenged by Cr Glenn Livingstone over whether he should be participating in the debate over the trip, Parker said he had every right to defend himself and his wife against the "cheap shots'' that had been fired at them.

Councillors voted nine to two to approve funding for the trip to Christchurch's Asia-Pacific sister cities this year.

The exact cost of the trip is unknown, but council staff say it will fall within the $42,000 budgeted annually for mayoral travel.

Parker will meet the costs associated with his wife's travel.

- © Fairfax NZ News