21/06/99 -
Resignations clear way for Metrowater debate
Auckland City councillors Vern Walsh and Jon Olsen have resigned
from the board of Metrowater so they can take part in tomorrow's council
debate on its future.
Mr Walsh wants to vote for Metrowater's abolition, while Mr Olsen
says he supports the council- owned company after gaining an insight into
its operation.
The resignations follow legal advice that directors faced a potential
conflict of interest in voting on the future of the council-owned company.
"I need to be free to exercise my vote according to my conscience and
without any perceived bias," said Mr Walsh.
Mr Olsen said being left without board representation would not harm
Auckland ratepayers.
The board was not scheduled to meet for several weeks and in that time
the council would have settled Metrowater's future and would be able to
appoint its representatives.
Jim Gladwin, a spokesman for the Water Pressure Group, which is anti-Metrowater, said it was the honourable step for Mr Walsh to take and opened the way for serious debate.
Meanwhile, the council investment committee has given its backing
to Metrowater's proposal to raise its charges by 17 per cent.
The increase will lift the average annual water bill from $620
to $726 on top of an average $180 rate rise.
The investment committee, chaired by Mr Walsh, approved the increase
behind closed doors on Thursday. Auckland water users were not consulted
on the rise.
About 250 people, including councillors Maire Leadbeater, Jan Welch and Bill Christian, yesterday attended a Tamaki meeting organised by the Water Pressure Group.
The meeting passed a resolution calling for councillors to abolish Metrowater, to reinstate all water services to council control by July 1, and to return to rates-based funding of wastewater charges
STAFF REPORTERS
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