Minister weighs action in ‘chick scientist’ stand-off

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage hasn’t ruled out stepping in if the Southland Fish & Game Council comes unstuck in its attempt to remove a councillor.

At an extraordinary meeting last week, the Southland Fish & Game Council passed a unanimous vote of no confidence in Ken Cochrane and asked for his resignation by 4pm last Friday.

It followed comments Cochrane made at a public meeting organised by the Southland Recreational Whitebaiters Association where he voiced his frustrations in dealing with ‘‘chick scientists’’ as part of a whitebait working party.

The comments were met with outrage by Sage and the Department of Conservation.

Southland Fish & Game Council chairman Graeme Watson confirmed on Friday that Cochrane had told him he would not accept the resignation request.

Watson said on Friday the council would seek advice before considering its next step.

When approached yesterday, Watson said: ‘‘The situation remained the same so I have no further comment at this stage.’’

Southland Fish & Game operates under the Conservation Act. Councillors are elected and fill the roles on a voluntary basis.

The conservation minister does have the ability to remove any member of a Fish & Game council from office as a result of misconduct.

Yesterday, Sage told Stuff: ‘‘I am confident that Southland Fish & Game can resolve the issue with Mr Cochrane. However, if they wish to formally request my assistance, I would consider any such request.’’

Southland Fish & Game’s next meeting is on March 19.