CEO supported

Editor,

I would like to make some comments about your article [KMN, August 7] relating to Liz Kelly appointing her son-in-law to a position at the Fanau Centre.

Firstly, the board has every confidence in our chief executive. During her time at the centre Liz Kelly has taken the Fanau Centre from a large deficit position to a small surplus in this financial year and has met all the contractual obligations of our funders.

Most boards would consider this quite remarkable given the current global recession and economic uncertainty.

The trust currently holds a high trust contract with MSD and has CYF’s approval to provide services to the local community which attracts intense and robust auditing processes.

Its early childcare centre has for the first time received a positive ERO report, which has led to an upgrade and expansion of the centre’s capacity to take pressure off the waiting list the centre has. These are all very positive outcomes.

The employment processes at the centre are not up for debate here, each employment decision is made in consultation with the board chair. Liz shoulder tapped her son-in-law after consultation with the chair and pays him below market rates for a job he is doing well.

Your article makes reference to Mayor Leggett’s relationship with Liz.

I’m wondering why this is even relevant. One of the most frustrating things I find is the use of community organisations as political footballs by local politicians in a feeble attempt to discredit their fellow councillors.

Perhaps they would be best to score political points by addressing issues that are relevant.

MIKE FERMANIS, board chairman, Cannons Creek Fanau Centre Trust.

There are several 35kmh corners on this road. It carries a lot of east/west traffic. 60kmh would be quite adequate for this road that has many tight corners. Gray’s Road has been a lot safer since the 60kmh restriction was put in place.

CLIFFORD MATTHEWS, Whitby. is thought to be so, let’s just for the moment accept the unreasoned rationale and perhaps Mr Simpson can then explain why it is that he thinks, with regard to years 2 and 7 respectively (as examples), that 2.4 plus 0.5 equals 3, and 2.6 plus 1.0 equals 3. These are the figures in the Long Term Plan which he keeps confirming.

If he cannot manage simple maths, or front up when his language skills are below par, how is it that he still commands a $300,000 salary?

BRIAN COLLINS, Papakowhai.