Mayor Chadwick accepts Cr McVicker’s portfolio resignation

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick has accepted the resignation of Councillor Mike McVicker as portfolio lead for the council’s Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy group.

“It had become increasingly clear that Councillor McVicker would not be able to continue effectively in this role given his public statements during and after the leaking to media last week of a Te Arawa discussion paper,” Mrs Chadwick said.

“He offered his resignation on Friday and, following a discussion during which we both agreed it would be extremely hard for him to work collaboratively with iwi in that role, I accepted his resignation,” she said.

Mr McVicker had made statements in the media that he did not agree with the direction Council was pursuing in creating a meaningful partnership with Te Arawa.

However one of the six commitments councillors signed off as part of their Rotorua 2030 vision was to develop a new partnership model with Te Arawa.

Mayor Chadwick reaffirmed that Council remained committed to finding a better way to work with iwi and the rest of the community who had contributed significantly to the district’s establishment and development, and would continue to do so in the future.

“The growing economy in Rotorua is Maori. The biggest ratepayers in Rotorua are Maori and Te Arawa gifted much of the land this city has been built on. It’s important for all, that Council has an effective working partnership with Te Arawa.”

Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson will take over as lead of the Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy portfolio immediately alongside Councillor Rob Kent while senior councillor Charles Sturt will replace Councillor Donaldson in the lead role for the Sport and Recreation Strategy area.

“Sustainable economic growth is imperative for all levels of our district economy and I look forward to the opportunity of working closely with all stakeholders in this portfolio area,” said Cr Donaldson.

Councillor Sturt is a former rugby referee and passionate sports enthusiast who is already in in the Sport and Recreation portfolio.

“I’m delighted to step up and build on Dave’s leadership in this area,” Cr Sturt said. “There is a lot of work to be done in the sport and recreation community and Council needs to make sure it continues to do the best for the Rotorua we love.”

Mr Sturt has been a Rotorua councillor for 25 years and is also a member of the Lakes District Health Board.

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