Crack in the boardroom

That could mean a number of things, ranging from drug use by councilors to a representative of Waituna farmers wading into the 'rules' debate, but the photo on the front page of today's Southland Times points to my meaning - a serious rift between our chair and chief executive. The photoshopped fracture running between the two of them, shown sitting at the boardroom table during the recent 'meet the farmers' event, describes the division that the accompanying item by Scott MacKay details. The council recently voted against extending the CEO's contract, and as one of those who pushed to roll the contract over for another two years, rather than re-advertise, I was not reticent about speaking to the Times journalist when he rang yesterday. Given that the council is engaged in some very demanding work at present, from saving the Waituna to introducing farmer-frightening rules to protect the region's water, a change of pilot is the last thing the good ship ES needs right now, in my opinion. That said, a vote was taken and the majority ruled, as it has done so often since I began my term as a councilor. Letters in today's paper on the subject of the council's 'back-down' over the implementation of the proposed 'new dairy farm' rule, relate to this process too, indicating a discontent with what many in the wider community see as an industry-supportive faction of the council having too much influence on decisions. With regard our CEO, I believe he has taken the best line toward protecting both the environment and the economy here in Southland, hence my support for him and disappointment at not seeing him returned, without angst, to the role for a further two years.
I suspect there will be further discussion on this topic through the Southland Times, given the profile this story has received. The news that the CEO has taken out a Personal Grievance Claim (as yet unconfirmed by our chairman), will be attracting some interest from anyone following local body politics here in the South.