Complaints about the ORC are answered
IT is not the Otago Regional Council which is now in an ‘‘impossible position’’, as stated by chairman Stephen Woodhead (ODT, 14.9.18), but the leadership of the council.
The notice of motion for the ORC to set minimum flows on three Central Otago rivers once, and do it right, was narrowly passed on September 13.
Cr Woodhead was guilty of predetermination by calling in councillors to vote against the motion, regardless of the evidence put forward by consultants. Further, his patronising comment ‘‘that there are implications the public and councillors don’t understand’’ is an indictment of his leadership.
There has been a litany of failures he must accept responsibility for. Upwards of $5 million has been spent and wasted on the ongoing saga of the new building for nearly 10 years. The Lindis River minimumflow process was started eightodd years ago with chairman Woodhead taking the lead role and is ongoing.
The Leith River management of costs are out of control. ORC staff turnover is extremely high.
He must now step down from his role as chairman of the ORC. If he chooses to ignore public opinion, he can reasonably expect another notice of motion calling for his resignation. Gerrard Eckhoff
Alexandra [Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead replies:
‘‘Mr Eckhoff has some facts wrong, The Leith Flood scheme costs to date are about $26 million with another about $2 million needed to complete the flood protection works of the scheme. This is well below the earlier estimates, prepared by engineering consultants, of up to $36 million.
‘‘Mr Eckhoff was a councillor when decisions were made not to proceed with the Harbourside office block and notified the Lindis minimum flow. He will understand that we still own the Harbourside site and its value will have increased over the last decade.
‘‘I am not a person who is predetermined, I read the council reports, do further research if I have any questions, express my views during the debate and accept council decisions.’’]