Waikato Regional Council is back as a member of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), following chair Pamela Storey’s casting vote to overturn last month’s decision to leave.
Pamela Storey – Four
The motion to renew the council’s $80,375.55 LGNZ subscription for the new financial year was initially defeated 6-5, with one abstention.
Eight councillors, including Waipā-King Country representative Stu Kneebone, signed a notice of motion to reverse the decision. However, veteran Waikato constituency member Noel Smith – one of the original signatories – changed his stance, saying he now believed the council should leave LGNZ.
Stu Kneebone helping out on the Waikato Regional Council stand at Fieldays. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
This led to a 7–7 deadlock, which Storey broke with her casting vote.
LGNZ is the nationwide representative body for local authorities. Operating as an incorporated society, it advocates for local government interests and supports councils through policy development, sector-wide collaboration, and governance training.
The vote was – for: Bruce Clarkson, Kataraina Hodge, Stu Kneebone, Tipa Mahuta, Jennifer Nickel, Pamela Storey, Angela Strange, against: Robbie Cookson, Mich’eal Downard, Ben Dunbar-Smith, Clyde Graf, Chris Hughes, Warren Maher, Noel Smith.
The News reported last week the decision would have meant the regional council was following Auckland – on mayor Wayne Brown’s casting vote, Kaipara District, Christchurch City, the West Coast Regional, Grey District, Westland District and Western Bay of Plenty District councils in quitting LGNZ.
