The Mole
'The best disinfectant is always sunlight'
Information is constantly being received. In some cases it is extremely hard to substantiate all the information given. If some of the informants were not kept totally confidential, their jobs could well be at risk or their businesses may be affected. We must protect their identity whilst still ensuring the people in the community remain well informed. Some may call it gossip; but normally “where there’s smoke, fire is often found”
You are most welcome to contribute to, or confirm or deny if you feel ‘The Moles’ digging up on any of these articles is unjust, if you so wish. Please make contact and if need be confidentiality will be assured.
Click for Link to 'MESSAGES TO MOLES'
Curious ?? Click to see WHO are the MOLES
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‘Word has it’ - Explained - Cambridge Dictionary online
or PDF file - Cambridge Dictionary online
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Word has it :- 'On 29th February 2016, a Whangarei District Councillor initiated a phone call to a ratepayer who had previous issues with counci, telling them that meetings had been held in regards to those previous issues and other things were also discussed in these 'meetings'.
On 1st March this ratepayer sent an email to this councillors private email address, asking for more information on the meetings and a SIMPLE request "would you be prepared to supply a signed affidavit in respect of what we discussed last evening?
I was privy to this information and with the residents permission wrote to the councillor at their private email on 27th May, stating that this person was still waiting for the affidavit and offered my services to aid in the writing, typing and getting the affidavit witnessed by a JP.
With the resident and myself still not receiving a reply I wrote again to the councillors work address (@wdc.govt.nz) on 30th May 2016 asking if that email address or care of the 'mailroom@wdc.govt.nz' was the better address to make contact by. Still no response so maybe its time to step this up a bit. Do we want councillors representing us that talk out of school, but are not prepared to put their money where their mouth is?'
7th June 2016
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Word has it :- 'from the many reports we have fielded over the years, that some staff at Whangarei District Council are unhelpful, rude and bully customers. To add to previous incidents witnessed and after todays experience I can confirm, that statement is a fact'.
I personally went to WDC at about 1100hrs to get some clarification on some information in the '2013 candidate information handbook'. The person I saw, in 'middle management', was not forth coming with information, not at all helpful with the query, but only directing me to the council website for the information claiming they didn't know about the District Plan. They then attempted to intimidate and bully me when I was leaving the office by making comments about a completely alien issue, to todays enquiry. Not a professional approach to handle any enquiry from a ratepayer. All previous issues I had been told about may have had some areas of question in my mind, but after todays personal experience those myths have been confirmed. There is no room for our 'civil servants' to behave like this; this culture must be eradicated from council.
5th August 2013
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Word has it :- 'that some councillors and staff of Whangarei District Council are looking at any way possible to stop the videoing of council meetings after todays meetings were filmed by a member of the public who is launching a new on line service to keep people informed. It appears the were in quite a quandary after todays meeting looking for loopholes. What are they afraid of and what do they really have to hide?'
28th November 2012
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Word has it :- 'that Whangarei District Council is looking at using a 'ratepayer owned property' in Dent Street (known as Fire Brigade Hill) for the site of a new hotel. The two sites presently have a child care and education facility and rental flats on them.' Let us hope they treat existing lease holders fairly and find alternative suitable locations for them. Will the sale go out to an open, transparent 'Tender sale' process, or will it be behind closed doors? What were the other sites that were investigated for the site for this hotel?
8th October 2012
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Word has it :- 'that Whangarei District Council, CEO Mark Simpson is still at his bully tactics. Today he screamed at his staff "Get out, get out now" and closed down a meeting because a certain person, being a dairy farmer from Hikurangi (who has already informed councillors during a "Public Forum" at a council meeting of this and other peoples antics), was present. On all accounts this farmer really knows B.S. when he sees it and he experienced another load of it today.' Watch this space! Does anyone know of a good Psychologist who may wish to contract to the WDC? Pease note - B.S. is short for 'heifer dust'.
4th October 2012
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Word has it :- 'that Whangarei District Council has on 26th September granted $200,000-00 and loaned $100,000-00 to a sporting club in Ruakaka. It appears this did not go through the Long Term Plan process and sadly this club, which I enjoy attending on occassions, is a "business" and not an open community facility. They charge you, the ratepayer, to go through the gates and now they are gifted 'your' money by the keepers of your money, the council'. Maybe its 'Time for a Change!'
27th September 2012
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Word has it :- 'that Whangarei District Council has or is about to contract Elizabeth Hauraki of Elizabeth Ann & Associates http://www.linkedin.com/pub/liz-hauraki/6/5a0/284 to procure funding for the HAC (Hundertwasser Art Centre). We understand the amount required is $8million. (Could they get more and get out debt down?) We are led to believe Elizabeth was involved in funding for the Auckland Museum project.'
19th September 2012
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Word has it :- 'that we are also told Amy Robens, director of Lassoo, (are we about to be all roped in?) is heading the PR push for this project and getting high profile persons to encourage their people to agree to the project. http://www.lassoo.co.nz/team.html There is also to be media training for councilors. (Will that be about how to tell ‘porkies’ without being caught out?)' 19th September 2012
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Word has it :- 'that we are also told that the project management for this has been arranged and awarded to a local company. Strange people I speak to have not seen the advertising for tenders for this; have you?' 19th September 2012
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Word has it :- 'that there are rumours around that the The Bach Basin arts and crafts centre and a couple of close adjoining buildings (café & specialised retailer) are to be removed for additional parking for coaches and private vehicles.' 19th September 2012
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Word has it :- 'that a new street sign has appeared approximately 80 metres from State Highway 14 down Cemetery Road, Maunu. There will be a number of suggestions forwarded to Council by the residents but could they be these? Link to Sign Suggestions.' 17th July 2012
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Word has it :- 'that to make the jigsaw puzzle visible from all angles, some council managed/leased buildings (of businesses presently doing very well) may be removed in order to make way for carparking for visitors, that this international attraction may entice to our town'.
Could this be a reason why lease renewals, in this particular area, are slow? 24th May 2012
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Word has it :- 'that according to a recent petition of 891 signatures to a LTP, the NRC building in Water Street may be about to be the superstructure for an Austrian Monument? But no one knows there will be a cost; as the petition failed to tell the full story '. Quality submission??? 23rd May 2012
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Word has it :- 'that it's sad you can't play tennis at a multi events ground because the court may be needed, for others needs'. 23rd May 2012
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Word has it :- 'that Whangarei Mayor Morris '180 degrees' Cutforth told a resident when they phoned in regards to the felling of the trees in Mander Park and asked him to stop this. "He said it was out of his hands" They said "if he had the will he could stop it". He is really ignorant about most of what has gone on. He said "due process had been followed" Ran down every hole he could think of and said "he would be glad when the trees came down".' Lovely Mayor we have????? Really listens to HIS people? 18th April 2012.
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Word has it :- 'that the word is the 'third turf' for Northland Hockey is a no go. We have been told by a reliable informant that it is Deputy Mayor Phil Halse who has pulled the pin because......wait for it ......... Cr. Crichton Christie is involved with hockey'. Does this sound more like a personal vendetta rather than a fiscally sound collabrative council decision? 11th April 2012.
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Word has it :- 'that the word around the corridors in WDC about the new bridge; it is being refered to as the "Paul Dell Memorial Bridge". I thought people had to be gone for it to be a "memorial". Or could we be going to get lucky? Bye, bye Paul!'
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Word has it :- 'there is going to be a rate increase of approximately 14%. Watch this space as it apparently has already been discussed and approved inside.'
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Word has it :- 'that the debt level is not $135 million as all have claimed. It is substantially more. Appears that its not just the harbour that has overflows. There is also an abundance in the chamber'
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Word has it :- 'that the development on the "Old Boys Rugby" site is in the final resource consent stages. This information was passed on after a Whangarei business man when speaking to a council employee and when he asked about the project was told "How do you know about that; it was supposed to be all confidential". My information tells me that the project is being undertaken by a developer who has done previous projects in Whangarei; some big named retailers are signed up all ready. I asked Deputy Mayor Phil Halse about the project on Thursday 23rd February at a meeting in Hikurangi; he denied anything was happening at the "Old Boys" site. We will find out who is really telling the truth shortly? Did these two gentleman pay the $20million, that the company Whangarei District Council called a "consortium" (with 1 shareholder?) , BWH Properties Ltd, Mr Wayne Hill, had earlier offered? Or is it worth less now that they can't use the 9 metres to be taken off the top for the "bridge to no-where" approaches, as we heard the original deal intended the soil being sold back to council for $12million?'
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Word has it :- 'that the Whangarei District Council has released a security to the value of $2million to a large sports organisation in Whangarei'. Obviously, are our (WDC) "accounts" in top shape and the ratepayers have no debt to service?' Well people, sorry, the cost to service our debt of $165million is about $9 million a year. Hope this sports organisation in not like Otago Rugby Football Union and about to go into liquidation this Friday 3/3/2012.
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Word has it :- 'that the WDC mayor Morris Cutforth was to visit the waste water treatment plant to do a tour and sat waiting in his car for 1/2 hour in the carpark. The carpark he waited in, was the one outside the 'wetlands' approx 500 metres across and further up Kioreroa Road. He thought the wetlands was the "waste water treatment plant"'. Does this show we really have a well informed mayor in control and not bad for one who campaigned that he would save our harbour from council discharging sewage into it? Is it right that its taken 16 months at the helm till he finally gets to do a tour of some of our most important basic infrastructure? Oh thats right "no babies there to kiss" or "awards to hand out" but proves where HIS priorities lie and how he makes decisions on things he still has no idea about.
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Word has it :- 'that maybe some contractors to council are doing jobs'cash up front' for repairs to damage they have done to peoples property'
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Word has it :- 'that could there really be up to 10 senior present and/or past senior staff of WDC covering up for 'someone' being on council premises alone after hours in April/May 2011?' Wonder Why????? Let's see if someone has some integrity and comes through with the goods.
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Word has it :- 'that the mayor Morris (180 degrees) Cutforth now has '4 advisors' to groom him in the finer points of being a statesman' Click to reveal the lucky ones.
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Word has it :- 'that the mayor Morris (180 degrees) Cutforth is now in Paris on sick leave.' (Too sick to work but well enough for long haul international travel)
Plus - 'Check out his Christmas Greetings email that was sent out' I ask; Did he stand for the community, for the money, for himself, for some puppeteers, or just his own ego?
Link to the Christmas email. - Interesting?
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Word has it :- 'that a member of the public, who has through the correct channels, requested speaking rights at next months Whangarei District Council meeting, been declined the opportunity to speak by acting mayor Phil Halse and/or his representative' What a sad state of affairs when anyone is declined this right, to speak to elected officials in a building that is owned by the ratepayers...... Watch this space. This meeting is scheduled for 27th July @ 10.00am.
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Word has it :- 'that our mayor Morris (180 degrees) Cutforth is on a stopover in Hong Kong. "We are off on Sunday with 2 days relaxing in Hong Kong" '- Too sick to work, but well enough to travel long distance? Is he going to Austria? Is it a one-way ticket?
Link to copy of facebook post.
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Word has it :- 'that this person could possibly be the same as this other person. Using your nick name could certainly have people thinking you are some one else'. Works well if you name is 'smith' or 'brown', but a little more obvious if the name is uncommon like ...QUINN.
Click for Link to interesting item.
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Word has it :- 'that a Whangarei District councillor whose wife flouted road rules resulting in an infringement notice which was duly cancelled by the interception of the WDC, CEO and WDC Environment Group Manager Mr Dell, who cancelled the infringement notice' It certainly pays to have the right contacts in the right places, if you don't get caught out.
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Word has it :- 'that the Christmas Greetings (Tuesday, December 21, 2010 8:07PM) email is genuine and tells the 'truth' about 'why' the position was campaigned for and it appears the money was necessary and possibly the main reason and of course, it was indeed very humbling.' 'Of couse the candidate was an appropriate 'puppet' campaigning "on issues I was ignorant of and commented on things I had no idea about" '
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Word has it :- 'that a 'Model' has arrived from Austria. We understand it is not a buxom blonde type of model, but one packaged in a crate and is of a 'much controversial plan' . How much was spent on this whim and who authorised it? We believe this is for a "monument" that we can't afford. It's time they got our priorities right and the true needs of the whole community. If it was a model of an upgraded sewerage system for Whangarei it would make some good common sense.
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Word has it :- 'there is a "secret meeting" being held tomorrow 27th January 2011 at 2.30pm in the old Hubands building at the Town Basin to discuss the Town Basin. Apparently some key people on the appropriate committeess only heard third hand' Why does this happen when its YOUR money they wish to spend? Is the community not important so all this secret squirrel stuff?
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Word has it :- 'there is talk that the Mayor enjoys naked encounters in spa pools' Would he would be better to wear his new robes when he takes calls from media?
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Word has it :- 'there are rumours abound that an unsucessful 2010 mayoral candidate is being considered for a replacement to the CEO whose contract comes up for renewal in March 2011.' Maybe better the experienced devil you know rather than an inexperienced one you dont, perhaps? (28th October 2010)
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Word has it :- 'that when some business ratepayers ask for speaking rights at Whangarei District Council meetings, their request is refused'
Click for link to view emails of ratepayers request and Council's refusal. Isn't it nice to be heard ?
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Word has it :- 'that the new incoming councillors after October elections, may have few or no decisions to make before 31st March 2011 if the following happens!' at Whangarei District Council.
Click for link to Agenda item No 5 on 25th August 2010.
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Word has it :- 'that the word COMMUNICATION is not in the Whangarei District Council's vocabulary'
Unable to find ANY notification of the following meeting on "WDC website" or in their "Agendas on Line" or Whangarei Leader "Whangarei Council centre fold" & not even a letter or email.
When you see the following on an elected councillors Facebook "Full council meeting with nobody in the audience. Councill meeting was on the new alcohol opening and closing hours. Meeting took 1 hr and 35 min. Lots of heated debate."
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Word has it :- 'As one who made a submission on the Liquor Licensing Review it would have been only "half decent" if we were given the opportunity to be present at the discussion. I suppose expecting "half decent" was setting our expectations of them a touch too high'
Now you know WHY I have decided to stand for mayor; this attitude in council needs to change, or am I expecting too much?
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Word has it :- 'that we must be nearing an election, when 5 items on an agenda of 14 items (17 August 2010) are removed as "it's too close to the election". Are decisions made different at the beginning of a three year elected term when there is time for a healing process to render voters minds useless before the next election? Shame, decisions should always be made for the benefit of the region. One shouldn't be frightened cause its close to an election or aren't they listening to their people'
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Word has it :- 'that we must be at war with the transport industry' - Why else would the phrase "we must use consultation as the first weapon" at a meeting (17 August 2010) - A good choice of words? I think we are right, these places don't like consultation (when they refer to the consulted, "public" like this). Maybe we need a change in attitude in most camps so the people who get elected this October are GENUINE about listening to their constituents'
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Word has it :- 'that there is an item (No.3)on the agenda for 23rd June 2010 WDC Finance and Support Committee, with a recommendation "That Council exempts Northland Events Centre Trust under Section 7 of the Local Government Act 2002" This means there will be NO annual Statement of Intent for this CCO (Council Controlled Organisation)' Is this what the people of Whangarei want with their Multi Events Centre? Why would you want no Statement of Intent? Is this for lack of transparency? And they wanted a Unitary Authority!!!
(Link to agenda item - a well worth read) Pages 19,20 & 21
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Word has it :- 'that if you phone noise control at Whangarei District Council and you don't want to give your name you will be told "We would lose our jobs if we gave anyone your name".
If a senior councillor was to disclose a complainant's name would the same fate await?
Or is it one rule for some and another for others?
Watch this space!!! The mole is sniffing this out as we speak.'
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Word has it :- 'Isn't it a cardinal sin to divulge the complainant's details to the perpetrator of the crime' - Real people in positions of power think so but obviously not some.
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Word has it :- 'The WDC council's computers have been used by staff to disseminate malicious emails within our communities.' Surely this is inappropriate use of council communication systems and in many organisations, that sort of behaviour results in justified dismissal. If this is not covered in council employment contracts maybe it should be. See article from "Ministry of Justice" on 'Model policies on the use of the Internet,Intranets,email, phone and fax' This almost warrants a 'Name & Shame' column - what do you think ?
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Word has it :- 'The Mayor believes that the elected representatives (Councillors) are napping and not awake to what is going on' See article in Bream Bay News 11 March 2010 - re new Ruakaka library His words - Not mine!
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Word has it :- 'There are moves afoot to create 2 unitary authorities in Northland. Is the reason to a/ remove the authoritive powers of the Northland Regional Council and thus allow a total breach and total disregard to environmental issues allowing selective developments to surge ahead unheeded, or b/ to get their hands on the assets of the Northland Regional Council (eg North Port shares)(what THEY forget is these are OUR (community shareholders/ratepayers)shares not THEIRS) cash them in and either spend on even more frivolous items or perhaps reduce DEBT to where they had promised it to be, to make it look good in the upcoming election (hoping ratepayers forget that they have sold off some of the crown jewels), or c/ Someone, or some are on "Power Trips", or d/ they don't want any accountabily, for anthing, to anybody.'
You choose the answer. I know what mine are.
See NRC Press release - March 2010.
See KDC Press release 3 March 2010. So who is/are the BULLY / BULLIES?
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Word has it :- ' In the Whangarei Report, Thursday 3rd December 2009, in Mr Mayor's "Our patch" it is claimed "a slur was cast upon the work of " senior Whangarei District Council staff. This is not correct. We have never thought for a moment Mr Mayor is a puppet, or had pupeteers who made him wink. Are we mistaken ?
The original letter re the "Wink" stated "They say actions speak louder than words! Mayor Semenoff, I would presume the wink you gave at the very end of the sale process was not for anyone but Mr. Wayne Hill sitting in your line of site. What did that mean?" This question has to date not been answered only a total denial of a wink by him.'
N.B. 'We have regularly stated, even before the last election, that there are many excellent staff within Whangarei District Council. We have also claimed that there needs to be a culture change by some in senior positions, as it appears, it could be, having an effect on the good staff. Some of these forget just WHO they are working for'
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Word has it :- ' In the Whangarei Report Thursday 3rd December 2009 in Mr Mayor's "Our patch" it is stated "Next year is election year and I guess we have an early signal that we are in for the usual fun and games" If your memory has not failed, you should well remember who started the dirty campaign against the emcumbent mayor. Some of us tried to stick to cold hard facts during the campaign.'
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Word has it :- 'Ratepayers have been receiving one (1) (single) page letters in A4 envelopes. Postage for a DLE (standard envelope) is .50cents (retail) & for an A4 (large envelope) $1-50. Could changes be made to save ratepayers money or is this not important?We could be saving a $1-00 per letter if sent in DLE envelopes'
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Word has it :- ' That one of the senior managers at Whangarei District Council, who states he never goes to restaurants, may have an identical twin brother who does go to restaurants and he may have short-term memory loss' -Yeh Right !!!! CAUTION - it may be confusing or embarrassing to approach this man.
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Word has it :- ' That our Mayor may now have interests in a different type of nursery. He has been busy offering "Olive Branches" to the many retailers and developers in the Whangarei CBD' ..... For what? We would like to know.
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Word has it :- ' There have been many statements in the media and at council meetings relating to the "Second Harbour Crossing" as referred to, by the mayor and senior staff, at Whangarei District Council. I have counted and there are already three harbour crossings (3 bridges) or is maths not one of their better subjects?'
'There is the older bridge (southern) now used as a carpark; there is the old bridge on solid foundations, in the centre; there is the northern new bridge. One, two, three; so the new one they want will be number FOUR!!!!! Guess some of us went to different schools and to different levels.'
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Word has it :- ‘that in the Whangarei District Council Infrastructure and Services Committee meeting of Wednesday 9th September 2009 our mayor quoted " the time to do contacts was whilst the sun shines" in his attempt to have contracts commenced ASAP. ' 'Does this mean we will see sewerage system upgrades starting or is his only interest in roading?'
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Word has it :- ‘that in the Whangarei District Council Finance and Support Committee meeting of 26th August 2009, while padding out the meeting to last more than the usual 5 minutes to a grand 31 minutes, (thought it slipped into one of their workshops) the illustrious chairman made comment that " the Whangarei District Council is one of the most significant players in the district". A good choice of words or are they really having fun playing with our money? - Player explained - Urban Dictionary and Concise Oxford Dictionary - You choose which one you think best explains what our council is doing.'
'Two examples are:-
1/ the $67,799.50 still owed apparently (as informed by a senior council staff member) by a company through mishandling a complaint of a leaking roof in the council rented building.
2/ the payment of $180,000.00 for lights from the Northland Rugby Union by WDC (which on some accounts were already owned by WDC) - Investigation underway'
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Word has it :- ‘that in the Whangarei District Council submission meeting of Wednesday 12th August 2009 there may have been a slip-up by one of the Councillors at the end of the meeting. Many submitters had spoken in regards to whether the Old Boys Rugby Club grounds should be sold to a developer to build a shopping complex.The Councillor stated " he didn't like to be told what to do by anyone" (who was he referring to?... the ratepayers, his wife, or the Mayor?) and then continued by asking "Will we get to view the agreement before voting on the submissions" Very interesting......................... An agreement???? !!!! Many had made comment that it was a DONE DEAL and it now certainly appears even more so as this Councillor was told "Yes it would all be available in the next couple of days" The present Councillor's were then TOLD only the Councillors who had been present for the whole process would be eligible to vote on the submissions. One wonders if OUR Mayor voted on the LTCCP submission process of which he was only present for 31% of the time of that process or are the Rules now changed to suit?' We need only ONE Rule Book & LEVEL PLAYING FIELDS. (excuse the pun)
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Word has it :- ‘that in Whangarei District Council every day just feels like a Wednesday. We have all heard of Monday-itis or Friday-itis but they have to be different. Check the document sent to one of our valued citizens and see just how many Wednesday's there are in a month, I mean how many Wednesday's there are in a week at WDC. !!!!
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Word has it :- ' that it was stated by "Senior Managers", when asked about the availability of monthly reports for Infrastructure & Services at the Whangarei District Council Infrastructure & Services meeting on 11th November, that they were available on line.' (These reports were not available at the meeting to some Councillors).
Check the snapshot of the Infrastructure & Services reports available captured at 1440 hrs on 11th November 2009 after the earlier meeting. Who is telling the PORKIES? Or don't some of them know what is there and what is not !!!!!
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Word has it :- ‘that Whangarei District Council has more power than we ever imagined. No other Council, Government or Country for that matter has ever been able to affect the change that WDC has been able to do. Who else could stretch 30th into 31st as never been done before? What, actually create extra days to enable projects to occur. Check the media release !!!! and you will see how.'
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Word has it :- ‘that council, or some of them at least, are preventing a particular rugby group from using the community “Kensington Park”. Thought one of the aims of council was to enhance the community - not stop sports groups from competing, or has it perhaps become an issue being that it’s the wrong brand of religious team that wishes to use it?’ …….. Hope not!!!
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Word has it :- ‘that many are writing to the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Rodney Hide, with various concerns about the Whangarei District Council. People have concerns regarding how and where their money is being spent and questioning Councils priorities of spending and lack of open consultation.’
(View a reply from the Minister of local Government)
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Word has it :- ‘that after Councillor Syers outburst (view context of his outburst) at the council meeting on 22nd April in relation to people failing to stand for the gown and chain clad Mr Mayor , there have been a number of complaints, re his actions, made to council and the Auditor General as people believe WDC Code of Conduct may have been breached.’ - Will keep you informed!
NB. Can you image Mr Mayor not knowing what was happening?
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Word has it :- ‘that council claimed to have spent “in excess of one hour” retrieving information relating to an OIA request when the information was readily available on their web site and was able to be accessed in less than 5 minutes!! A great way to make $120. Whoops sorry, now $140!!’
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Word has it :- ‘that councillors were offered a free website and tuition to understand and maintain it by a group of concerned residents; but they are one by one declining the generous offer. Perhaps they do not wish to make comment inside or outside the chamber and failing to keep the ratepayers informed of what is or is not happening!’
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Word has it :- ‘that the decision and late notification for WDC senior staff to participate in a local television discussion on the towns sewerage system issues is a fine example of councils ‘dropping the ball’ in their chance to enter into consultation with the community. It was an excellent opportunity to promote the Whangarei District Council - Long Term Community Plan 2009-2019, but it is understood a couple of people interviewed did a great job promoting it for the WDC. Wonder what their PR charges to council will be?’
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Word has it :- ‘that inspections of the cities sewerage system are being undertaken by senior personnel. Wonder if these two are the experts in their field? Well maybe they are!' View video clip - Warning - content may be offensive to some people.
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Word has it :- ‘that shortly we may only have a couple of councillors as ‘moonlighting’ is frowned upon. Are they expected to walk away from their varied businesses, walk off their farms, leave their professions and survive on the basic remuneration as a councillor. Would hate to think the areas of governance and management boundaries have overlapped in this process.’
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Word has it :- ‘that we heard on the grapevine that the materials for the stadium have far exceeded the budget and one wonders how those working on it will be paid. Wouldn’t it be interesting to investigate the financial aspects of this project to date. It certainly looks like it is going to far exceed the budget and you know who will pay.’ Is this not a case of “we told you so?”
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Word has it :- ‘that we are still waiting for the simple transaction list of “properties owned by council” requested under the Official Information Act first asked for on 21st January 2009. After a number of contacts from WDC and then told last week, 8th April, it was in the printer. Jokingly, thought they must be out of ink; or is the guy still chipping it into the granite?'
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Word has it :- ‘that the property owned by council, mentioned in regards to outstanding debts may not be “commercially sensitive” as described, BUT more of a council embarrassment from bad management resulting in the bad debt’ – any business can go into liquidation if the roof leaks enough.
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Word has it :- ‘that the group of twelve (G12) has major influence in regards of projects in Whangarei, You would possibly be surprised who is in this group and how they operate’
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Word has it :- ‘that we are still waiting for confirmation that it is now registered on the title of the property, at the bottom of Southend Ave owned by the Mayor, the site that is filled with large amounts of sawdust and then hard-fill on top to pretty it up. Hope the next owner insists that all the appropriate checks are done before purchasing it and the land sinks from under them in time’
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Word has it :- ‘that council is apparently deeply concerned at the amount of Official Information requests and the media attention it has created’
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Word has it :- ‘that the forest (previously owned by the ratepayers)that recently sold in Kioreroa Road for $1,271,500-00, has according to a expert in the industry, in the present economic climate has between $600,000-00 and $750,000-00 net worth of timber on it. A good deal for the purchaser for 53.294 hectares in that area. Bet many would have liked to offer to purchase if it only had gone for sale on the OPEN market’
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Word has it :- ‘that the links on the WDC website – GIS maps, to rating details, of many of the “properties of interest”, some that had OIA requests on and some belonging to the G12 and also staff, were mysteriously removed at the beginning of March and only repaired after dialogue and raising concern with staff in customer services on April 8th. Two councillors had failed in their attempts to remedy the problem earlier’
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Word has it :- ‘that a simple OIA request for the costs for consultation in Whangarei’s ageing sewage issues has resulted in a fob off with a cost estimate of $600-00 to produce a simple transaction list, which is available on most simple accounting software packages. Maybe the over $1 million spent on upgrading the council computers was a waste of ratepayers money if unable to produce such results instantly and simply’
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Word has it :- ‘that some contracts are not awarded, as portrayed by council, in an open and transparent process, on a level playing field with tenders being requested. On all accounts they appear to be awarded in some cases to those on the “flavour of the month” list and not on price, of which price should be more of a benefit to the ratepayer’
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'If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything'
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