I wrote this for my Mirror column in February this year, in anger, and then bit my tongue and sumitted something more moderate. However, inspired by Charles Pigden's recent opinion piece in the ODT (repeated here) on the moral bankruptcy of people who rate esoteric landscape values over human welfare, I found the article, and here it is.
Is the CODC corrupt?
On a national radio programme last week (Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan) All Black and activist Anton Oliver said this about the Central Otago District Council's Hayes windfarm decision: "I used to think that local decisions made by local people under the RMA was a good thing. I no longer think that, having witnessed it personally at Hayes."
He went on to say "The nepotism and the internecine conflicts in local levels get in the way of logical sound decision-making ... and I think if we look at Hayes, umm Meridian had to donate about six to seven million, part of a sort of development fund, that goes to the community, well I'm fairly sure that impaired objective decision-making ..."
What's Anton saying? That the CODC's hearing panel, with an independent lawyer as chair, an independent member, and three very experienced councillors from our usual hearings panel, was swayed by 'nepotism and internecine conflicts'? And more, that the panel's decision was corrupted by the possibility of a development contribution!?
Those are both extraordinary statements. If even remotely true they would be scandalous. I absolutely refute them, and if he's listening, ask Anton to provide the supporting evidence. Using a position of influence to slander a professional, responsible, conscientious and hard-working group of panellists is corrupt, and should not go unchallenged.
Malcolm Macpherson Mayor Central Otago District
Malcolm Macpherson
Monday, August 2, 2010