Commissioners to move in after entire Kaipara council resigns

Kaipara District’s entire council has resigned and commissioners will replace them.

The resignation decision was unanimous among the councillors after a briefing from a government-appointed review team on a report due to go to Local Government Minister David Carter on Friday. They requested their replacement by commissioners.

The council faced a rates revolt earlier this year over a proposed average rate rise of 31 per cent. The rates demand was sparked by massive debt, mostly caused by the Mangawhai community wastewater scheme. The council is among the most indebted per cap- ita in New Zealand at $4142, with a total debt of $85.2 million.

Head of the review team Greg Gent said more than one commissioner would be appointed.

‘‘We believe there are a number of skills required here that can’t be met by one person.’’

Until they are appointed, hopefully by the middle of next month, the councillors will continue with their duties, including adopting the final long-term plan. Mr Gent said he would be surprised if the commissioners were in place for less than two years, which means there will be no council elections next year. At least two commissioners would take away the risk of autocracy, he said.

Mr Carter said the council was facing a range of problems includ- ing the size of its debt, invalidity of previous rates, management of its infrastructure and loss of community confidence.

‘‘The council’s request to appoint commissioners under the Local Government Act is made in the best interests of the district, and I applaud that,’’ he said.

Mayor Neil Tiller said the decision was clear after looking at the report put forward by the review team. ‘‘It hasn’t been easy – these issues have been compounding and council was never made aware of the enormity.’’

Mr Carter said the Cabinet would have to agree to the request to appoint commissioners.