Media Release - Councillor Dick Quax

Thursday, 16 August 2007

James Brown kicked off Council Committee

Manukau Mayoral candidate Councillor Dick Quax said councillors had to make a very difficult decision at an extraordinary meeting of the Manukau City Council last night to withdraw the appointment of James Brown to the Treaty of Waitangi Committee.

Mr Brown who is the CEO of the Ngai Tai Umupuia Te Waka Trust was the Ngai Tai Umupuia's recommendation as the mana whenua delegate on the Treaty of Waitangi Committee.

The council was advised of allegations made against Mr Brown including threats of violence against council staff.

"It's a sad day when council has to take such drastic action against a member of a council committee but it highlights the weakness of the Treaty of Waitangi Committee with many of its members being appointed by mana whenua and having no accountability to the public a large."

Mr Brown had previously been trespassed from the Manukau City Civic Centre as a result of an altercation with council officers and a member of the public.

"The committee displayed poor judgement by appointing him as the deputy chair given his record".

ENDS

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