PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, 28 November, 5pm
Sludgegate Update

Sludgegate Day 6: What's it all about?

Today, under cross examination the crux of the allegations in this case were laid bare: That council officers - who openly held their own anti-development views - had crossed the line and abused their powers in interfering with Adrian Chisholm's property rights, and continued to do so despite clear evidence they were acting illegally.

Twice the question was put to Mr Chisholm: "Aren't Waiheke Island Community Board members entitled to hold their own views?" Indeed, agreed Chisholm "they can hold whatever views they like - but when they cross the line, and abuse their power, and interfere with my property rights . then that is something else. Then they are guilty of misfeasance."

Challenged to say who made the decision to begin the council sludge dump on his boundary, Mr Chisholm replied: "No such information has been produced by council - the city appeared to be operating in a vacuum."

It was observed that at least one of council's expert witnesses is retained to sit permanently in court at hundreds of dollars an hour - at ratepayer's expense!

Tomorrow: Chisholm's barrister Chris La Hatte begins calling his further witnesses; he is also appealing last week's decision to rule out so-called privileged evidence which he says is a key part of his case. Justice Morris will hear this appeal at 2pm.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Peter Creswell (025) 861 927 e-mail: organon@ihug.co.nz

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