BY TONY FOX
On 5 March 2025, Mayor Salt announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term.
All Local Government Office Bearers (elected members) are bound by the Local Government Act 2002, the Electoral Act 1993, The Local Authorities Members Integrity Act 1968, and, in the case of TCDC, the TCDC Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in December 2022.
I encourage readers to go to the TCDC Code of Conduct, on page 24 and read the paragraphs regarding “Non-Pecuniary Interests”.
In my opinion, the Mayor runs a fine line when stating what activities he is going to support.
Per his Council’s own Standing Orders, he has likely precluded himself from participating in any debate or vote on those items for which he has declared a non-pecuniary interest.
However, let us turn our minds to what he said.
Governance ability: That is questionable, given that he has released a campaign statement outside of the relevant Acts and may not meet the standards governing the TCDC Code of Conduct.
Prudent Financial Management: I cannot see the necessary skill set to be a prudent financial manager. Actual and proposed compounding rate rises under his watch exceed 35%.
Waste reduction and responsible environmental management: The Mayor refers to this in his press release. Maybe we should enquire into the fate of the Whitianga Refuse Transfer Station. A project dear to the Mayor’s heart but which now comes at a cost greater than 5 times what was initially proposed. To date, not a sod has been turned.
Social Navigators: The Mayor’s press release/campaign document states, “During our LTP consultations last year, 64% of our submissions from individuals, community groups and ratepayer associations were in favour of continuing …..we started on Connected Communities and the recovery period. Government funding ends in June this year. I fully support this initiative.”
It is my understanding that 114 submissions were made to the LTP. Some submitters submitted both in writing and orally. Not all submitted about “Social Navigators”. However, even in the best case, 64% of 114 equals 73 people. For simplicity, I will say we have some +30,000 voters within TCDC.
You make a decision that will cost ratepayers something in the vicinity of $450,000 annually on the voice of 70 people when much of this work could be carried out by community groups such as the Whitianga Social Services with some minor financial TCDC support. Hardly a mandate to spend our money!
For my part, the Mayor’s Press Release/Campaign statement is nothing but puff. The real issues for all of us are water, rubbish and roads!
Now let’s go back to the Whangamata News release of 2 August 2022, where the Mayor campaigned on (We Need):
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Innovative, modern solutions to achieve cost-efficient outcomes;
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Future-proofed critical infrastructure
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Responsible and Prudent financial management
