Council reviews misconduct allegations

Following comments from the community and media outlet interest, the Central Otago District Council (CODC) has considered allegations against a newly elected councillor Dave McKenzie.

A report was taken to CODC’s Audit and Risk Committee in March of 2019. In the report it was noted that Council’s legal advice at the time referred to a lack of formal contract and the contractual position was unclear. It was deemed that CODC did not have sufficient evidence to meet the legal threshold for further action, and it would have been costly to take it further, so that matter was closed.

CODC Chief Executive Peter Kelly confirmed that procurement processes had improved since 2019. A procurement audit was carried out in 2022, that had further strengthened policies and processes. These improvements would help lessen misunderstandings between Council and its contractors.

Several media outlets have requested copies of documentation and correspondence relating to this matter and we are directly responding to those requests under LGOIMA.