$61,000 to defend Easter trade policy

Napier’s council spent more than $60,000 of ratepayers’ money defending an Easter Sunday trade policy in court before a judge threw out the case.

Figures released to Stuff under the Official Information Act show Napier City Council spent $61,365 including GST on defending the policy in the High Court earlier this year.

That included $30,728 on legal fees and a $30,637 expense claim for Dr Robin Gwynn, who lodged the judicial review, arguing the council had not adequately consulted the public beforehand, particularly with the Christian community.

Gwynn said it was unfortunate ratepayers faced the bill.

‘‘This was a case that should never have gone to the High Court. Council . . . were given plenty of opportunities and reasons to avoid doing so.’’

It was a ‘‘pity’’ neither mayor Bill Dalton nor chief executive Wayne Jack were at court to hear the case, Gwynn said.

‘‘They obviously thought they were in the right, but I found it quite alarming to read after the verdict that the mayor said it had surprised him. It really should not have done.’’

The council had taken on board the judge’s comments, and in its new process had made a ‘‘genuine effort to advise all the stakeholders’’.

The judge’s decision on August 1 meant the current policy, which allowed shops to open on Easter Sunday was thrown out. The council was now re-consulting on the policy, including direct consultation with Christian churches, unions and retailers.

The council declined to make any further comment.

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