Simms suspends call to cut voting rights
The backdown from Andrew Simms came after input from members of his Future Dunedin team ticket in city council elections.
He also clarified he believed mana whenua must have representation, but the past week had reinforced it was not up to him to dictate the shape of this — such as by introducing a Māori ward at the Dunedin City Council.
"I remain very uneasy about all appointed council positions, not just those set aside for mana whenua, but I now fully accept that the usual norms of democracy should not be imposed,'' Mr Simms said in a Facebook post.
The city council has several unelected appointees, including on its audit and risk subcommittee and mana whenua representatives on its infrastructure services committee, and strategy, planning and engagement committee.
Mr Simms had taken issue with this just over a week ago, saying his preference was for specialists to participate in discussions, but not to have voting rights.
Yesterday, he said if the preference of mana whenua was for appointed committee positions, "then I guess we have to live with tha".
"My view is that they actually need more representation, not less representation, and that would be achieved with a full council seat as opposed to committee positions — but that's for them to determine.
"The mistake I made was thinking that I knew what was best for them.''
The Otago Daily Times asked Mr Simms if he was retracting his call for removal of voting rights for mana whenua representatives and independent audit and risk subcommittee members.
"I am until ... we can achieve greater representation for mana whenua,'' he said.
"I firmly believe that mana whenua and tangata whenua are under-represented at the Dunedin City Council.
"There are many ways that tangata whenua could gain much better representation.''
Mr Simms confirmed members of his team ticket had not agreed with his earlier stance.
"I put my hand up and say that, absolutely, I made a mistake, and my team have helped me to understand that, and we deal with it, and we get on with it.
"I'm prepared to take on board what my team say, and alter my position accordingly.''
Mr Simms said in his Facebook post team members had "helped me to understand this issue''.
He had particular thanks for Luke Ranga — son of Future Dunedin candidate Bruce Ranga — "for his direct advice and assistance''.
He said any criticism of him not being sufficiently informed before speaking out, or that he might have benefited from talking to his team first, was fair.
"I'd fully accept that as valid criticism ... I think it shows the value of having a team around you, and a diverse team.''
He was also critical of the performance of the audit and risk subcommittee.
Mr Simms was particularly unhappy independent subcommittee chairman Warren Allen had seen a report by Deloitte that looked into some council practices, but elected members had not.
"That's a serious assault on democracy.''
grant.miller@odt.co.nz
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15 hours ago
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