Epilepsy dispute sparks asset grab

The stoush between Epilepsy New Zealand and its former Waikato branch committee hit a new low yesterday as Epilepsy NZ seized assets from the Waikato office.

Former branch president Paul Manning stood close to tears as movers carted office equipment and other items out the door and on to a removal truck.

The branch and national office have been in a dispute over governance issues, and last week the Waikato committee was dismissed.

ENZ representative Verity Colgrave and its lawyer handed Mr Manning a notice saying they were authorised to take assets belonging to ENZ.

"That was it," Mr Manning said.

When the Waikato Times arrived at the Vialou St office ENZ lawyer Louise Meredith said she could no longer comment. Earlier this week she asked to read articles before they were published and warned if there were errors causing financial loss she would advise ENZ to take legal action.

ENZ general manager Frank Gouveia was available for comment but not before this edition went to press.

Mr Manning asked why ENZ would go to such extreme lengths.

"I really fear they will seize and sell the building which has been fundraised for by the Waikato branch through the local community.

"But under the constitution all assets belong to ENZ so they feel they can do what they like."

Waikato branch administrator Ingrid Turner was also a victim of yesterday's events, being informed by ENZ that she no longer worked at the Vialou St office. From Monday she would be required to report for work at ENZ's national office in Hamilton, on Alexandra St.

"I really feel for people like that and also for the other former committee members who work tirelessly for no money but just want to do the best for epilepsy sufferers. This really is the lowest of the low," Mr Manning said.

Hamilton West MP Tim Macindoe said he was incensed at the "callous and provocative actions of ENZ".

"Few things have riled me as much as this in my year as an MP. The fact they (ENZ) are behaving in this way signals to me they have something to hide and I'm going to find out what it is," he said.

He renewed his pledge to fight ENZ's decision to dump the Waikato branch committee.

"Those people working in the Waikato branch are saintly and do not deserve this treatment.

"ENZ has no right to take their assets away."

Mr Macindoe has agreed to chair a special meeting in another office in the Vialou St building on Monday at 7.30pm where the former Waikato committee hopes to find a way forward.