Kāpiti Council’s chief executive Darren Edwards says he has expressed his sincerest apologies for the comments he made during the recent Council meeting held on Thursday 30 January.
The Kāpiti CE made a one-liner comment during a break in the council meeting which was picked up by a live microphone. In an aside Mr Edwards commented to the Mayor, “Man, they drink from the Kool-Aid when Salima speaks” – in reference to Salima Padamsey, the chairperson of Coastal Ratepayers United (CRU) who had earlier addressed councillors during public speaking time.
Mr Edwards says his comments fell well short of the standards he set for the council, himself and the public who attend meetings.
“I am sorry that the comments I made in the Council Chamber have caused offense to Ms Padamsey as this was never intended.”
Mr Edwards says it is important to him “that anyone who takes the time to speak with our elected members feels comfortable sharing their views and representing their position.”
Ironically relations between council and CRU seem to be at an all time high since Mr Edwards has been at the KCDC helm.
Ms Padamsey says, “The CEO is the leader and is meant to be a role model for the council staff.”
CRU has been battling with council for 12 years in relation to the mapping of the district’s coastal hazards. CRU successfully took Council to court in 2012 when erosion disclaimers were written into the LIMs of 1800 properties.
Late last year CRU presented to Council a significant report by Waikato University professor Dr Willem De Lange which presents a coastal hazard model significantly different from the prevailing model being used.
Mr Edwards says “I respect the role Coastal Ratepayers United play in our community and their continued contribution to local democracy. I remain committed to working together for the benefit of our community.”
For more on the De Lange Report see: www.cru.org.nz
