From:
Laura Cannon
To:
Councillor Diane Calvert
Cc:
Councillor Tony Randle
Subject:
RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
Date:
Thursday, 20 June 2024 8:19:15 am
Attachments:
image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
Thanks, Diane.
I’ll come over to WCC for 12 noon and meet you at reception.
Thanks,
Laura
ACT 1987
Laura Cannon
Sector Manager – Local Government Group
s7(2)(a)
| s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
Office of the Auditor-General Te Mana Arotake
Improving trust, promoting value
Level 2, 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 3928 Wellington 6140
oag.parliament.nz | Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
AND MEETINGS
From: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2024 8:13 AM
To: Laura Cannon <s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Cc: Councillor Tony Randle <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
INFORMATION
CAUTION External email: Unless you are certain the email is from a trusted source, DO NOT click links or open attachments.
Hi Laura
We will find a room at WCC. Yes 12 noon works well for us.
Diane
Councillor Diane Calvert
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
From: Laura Cannon <s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2024 8:12 AM
To: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Cc: Councillor Tony Randle <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
Kia ora Diane,
I can meet with you both at 12 noon today if that suits.
You are welcome to come to our office, I could come to WCC, or we could meet over Teams – let me know which you prefer. If WCC or
Teams, I have more flexibility with time as I’m restricted by room availability in our office today (only 12-1pm, or 2.30-3.30pm
currently available).
RELEASED UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL
Let me know your preference.
Ngā mihi,
Laura
From: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 4:57 PM
To: Laura Cannon <s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Cc: Karen Young <s7(2)(a) @auditnz.parliament.nz>; Councillor Tony Randle <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
CAUTION External email: Unless you are certain the email is from a trusted source, DO NOT click links or open attachments.
Hi Laura
Tony and I are available from 9.30am anytime.
Diane
Councillor Diane Calvert
1987
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
ACT
P s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
MEETINGS
From: Laura Cannon <s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 2:36 PM
AND
To: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Cc: Karen Young <s7(2)(a) @auditnz.parliament.nz>; Councillor Tony Randle <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
Kia ora Diane,
Noting that you wish to meet before Friday, I am looking into OAG/Audit NZ availability tomorrow – please can you confirm that you
INFORMATION
and Tony would be available for a meeting tomorrow.
Ngā mihi,
Laura
OFFICIAL
Laura Cannon
Sector Manager – Local Government Group
s7(2)(a)
| s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
Office of the Auditor-General Te Mana Arotake
Improving trust, promoting value
Level 2, 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 3928 Wellington 6140
oag.parliament.nz | Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
GOVERNMENT
From: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:49 PM
LOCAL
To: Laura Cannon <s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Cc: Karen Young <s7(2)(a) @auditnz.parliament.nz>; Councillor Tony Randle <[email address]>
THE
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
CAUTION External email: Unless you are certain the email is from a trusted source, DO NOT click links or open attachments.
Thanks Laura
UNDER
I do wish to meet along with the Deputy Chair of Audit and Risk- Tony Randle. This is raising concerns that past audits including the
audit of the recent LTP consultation document did not significantly highlight the Council’s continual breach of its debt limit.
Regards
Diane
RELEASED
Councillor Diane Calvert
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
P s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
From: Laura Cannon <s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:46 PM
To: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Cc: Karen Young <s7(2)(a) @auditnz.parliament.nz>
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
Kia ora Diane,
Thank you for your e-mail and for sharing your concerns with us. Karen is addressing matters relating to the airport shares and debt
headroom as part of our independent LTP audit and will report her findings to the OAG for review on Friday. We need to complete the
full audit process before we are in a position to comment on our findings.
1987
Therefore, unless you have any new/additional information to share with us re: debt headroom, we may not need to meet at this
ACT
stage of the process. However, please let us know if you have further information you would like us to consider as part of the audit.
Ngā mihi,
Laura
MEETINGS
Laura Cannon
Sector Manager – Local Government Group
AND
s7(2)(a)
| s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
Office of the Auditor-General Te Mana Arotake
Improving trust, promoting value
Level 2, 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 3928 Wellington 6140
oag.parliament.nz | Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
INFORMATION
From: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 10:45 AM
To: Karen Young <s7(2)(a) @auditnz.parliament.nz>; Laura Cannon <s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Cc: Councillor Tony Randle <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my supportOFFICIAL
CAUTION External email: Unless you are certain the email is from a trusted source, DO NOT click links or open attachments.
Further to my email below I wish to meet with you both to discuss my concerns that the final LTP is not complicit is not making it clear
to the public about the city’s debt situation. At the meeting, I will also bring the Deputy Chair of Audit & Risk - Tony Randle.
Can we please find a suitable time
before this Friday when I understand OAG and Audit NZ are meeting to review the findings of the
audit.
GOVERNMENT
Regards
Diane
LOCAL
THE
Councillor Diane Calvert
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
P s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
UNDER
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
From: Councillor Diane Calvert
RELEASED
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2024 3:47 PM
To: Bruce Robertson <[email address]>; Karen Young <s7(2)(a) @auditnz.parliament.nz>; Laura Cannon
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Subject: FW: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
FYI
Please note my last paragraph to Councillor Brown in the email below ie
“But the headroom is bullshit. Its a fiction. I'm sure a key reason council hasn’t honoured this limit to its borrowing is because everyone
knows that it does not exist and means nothing.” causes me great concern. This also suggests that the Mayor, some elected members,
the executive, our external auditor and the Office of the Auditor General are also complicit in this charade to dupe the public and
Council’s governors
Regards
Diane
Councillor Diane Calvert
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
P s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
1987
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
ACT
From: Councillor Diane Calvert
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2024 3:33 PM
To: Diane Calvert <[email address]>
MEETINGS
Subject: FW: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
AND
Councillor Diane Calvert
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
P s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
INFORMATION
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
From: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2024 3:32 PM
OFFICIAL
To: Councillor Tim Brown <[email address]>; Mayor Tory Whanau <[email address]>
Cc: Michael Naylor <[email address]>; DL: Councillors <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
Tim
The pool has nothing to do with the situation and in any case had far more broad support (17/18 votes) than either the sale of the
shares or the LTP. And guess what! it had a huge amount of public support especially when the clear facts where laid out and not
solely relying on officer information. I trust however there is no attempt to ‘blackmail’ me to fall into line?
GOVERNMENT
I have always been very clear that my support for the sale of the airport shares had to be good for the city hence why I supported and
negotiated the extra controls around the ring fencing of the proceeds and that we wouldn’t increase our debt to what was proposed.
LOCAL
In terms of your specific comments’
Overall you have incorrectly considered limits that this Council has agreed on being
THE
‘voluntary” and only an agreement to “honour”.
Whilst we can ‘honour’ agreements, we also have a fiduciary requirement to ensure we adhere to what we have agreed and included
in our strategy that has been consulted on with and advised to Wellingtonians (the ones who pay the bills and who we serve) ie a limit
of 225% debt to income ratio
UNDER
1. I have never previously heard the debt to income ratio as ‘voluntary’ . The Council has one which it set itself via its Financial
Strategy ie 225%. Whether that is approved by LGFA or S&P is ancillary to Council’s own decision. In any case the 225% is not a
target but a limit.
2. The majority of elected members in the past circa 2021 wanted to increase the limit to the maximum permitted ie 280%
because interest rates were low. There were however a few of us (especially those that had seen cycles of economic changes)
RELEASED knew what comes down, can easily go up ie interest rates (as has been proven)
3. As noted in 1, the 225% rate is not something just to be ‘honoured’ but is a limit as part of our financial strategy. For the council
to continue to blatantly overreach is not acceptable and not good financial governance if we continually allow that to occur
4. As noted above the ratio is not governed solely through being ‘voluntary’ but is a limit that this council set.
5. We had many graphs provided to us showing the dire state of the city’s finances included those through the KPMG Balance
Sheet review in 2023 which was publicly withheld for eight months for no valid reason by officers and the Mayor. Simply we
have to cut planned expenditure. That can be done by looking at the ‘big rocks’ and not playing around the edges with ‘pebbles’
as in local community facilities
6. You are correct with calling things ‘bulldust’ but it’s much more sinisterly broader and deeper than that. The whole thing is
‘bulldust’ as we need to deal with cutting expenditure. That was why I was happy to see the $272 million headroom remain as a
means to cut expenditure now and not in 10 years.
7. You suggest that the debt situation has existed for some time. That is exactly why I have continually publicly raised concerns
about council expenditure since 2021 (at the last LTP) even if hampered by the executive saying information was ‘confidential’
when it was clearly not.
8. As per 7
The rest of your commentary shows exactly why there is a clear lack of transparency with elected members and the public and
reinforces that I made the correct statement on Friday.
Your comment “But the headroom is bullshit. Its a fiction. I'm sure a key reason council hasn’t honoured this limit to its borrowing is
because everyone knows that it does not exist and means nothing.” causes me great concern. This also suggests that the Mayor, some
elected members, the executive, our external auditor and the Office of the Auditor General are also complicit in this charade to dupe
the public and Council’s governors.
1987
Regards
ACT
Diane
Councillor Diane Calvert
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
P s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
MEETINGS
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
AND
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
From: Councillor Tim Brown <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, June 14, 2024 10:18 PM
To: Councillor Diane Calvert <[email address]>; Mayor Tory Whanau <[email address]>
Cc: Michael Naylor <[email address]>
INFORMATION
Subject: Re: Sale of Airport Shares and LTP - I withdraw my support
Diane
Well there goes the pool, or are you just seeking to up the anti and get it heated ?
But seriously, I'm unsure if this is your Road to Damascus moment or something else
OFFICIAL
Council's projected debt profile has been abundantly clear through out
The "$272 million debt headroom" is irrelevant except as a signal.
To assert otherwise now defies credibility.
Several people, notably Tony and Paul RS, made a big deal of this, and I'm happy to repeat the points I made to them.
1. Council honours two externally recommended Debt/Revenue ratios. One from LGFA and one from S&P. The
former is 225% and the latter 250%. Remaining below 225% is voluntary, but if Council borrows above that level,
GOVERNMENT
(except briefly) it will increase Council's cost of funds.
2. It's not compulsory, Council could borrow more (Auckland Council has a higher ceiling and Watercare has
LOCAL
recently had its ceiling raised to 500%), but our management have persuaded WCC councillors to keep
borrowing below 225%.
THE
3. In addition to recognising (and honouring) the 225% ceiling, Council also has the $272m of earthquake-related
headroom. This is in effect saying "we will borrow up to 225% of revenue minus $272m". But the "minus $272m"
isn't honoured. As illustrated below, it has never been honoured.
UNDER
4. Both the 225% and the $272m are voluntary rules. The former is honoured, the latter not. As explained below,
this is logical.
5. The following graph (one of many provided to us) makes the point very clearly. The reason Tony insisted on
RELEASED retaining the $272m headroom is that it
could have an affect (as a signal), even if it hasn't thus far. In the
meantime, when annual spending and revenue programs are agreed someone concerned about Council
borrowing can point to the breach, but that is it's only relevance.
1987
ACT
MEETINGS
AND
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
1987
ACT
MEETINGS
AND
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
Wellington City Council | Wharangi/Onslow-Western Ward
P s7(2)(f)(ii) | E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz | F dianecalvertnz | T dianecalvertnz | W dianecalvert.nz
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only. If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that
confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its contents.
If received in error, you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
_______________________________________________________________
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not necessarily the official view or
communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information on it.
1987
_______________________________________________________________
ACT
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not necessarily the official view or
communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information on it.
_______________________________________________________________
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not necessarily the official view or
communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
MEETINGS
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information on it.
AND
_______________________________________________________________
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not necessarily the official view or
communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information on it.
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
From:
Councillor Ray Chung
To:
s7(2)(a)
Subject:
RE: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
Date:
Tuesday, 7 May 2024 10:54:00 am
Good morning s7(2)(a)
Many thanks and yes, I understand but this isn’t a new case but the current one.
1987
Cheers, Ray
ACT
From: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2024 9:23 AM
To: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
MEETINGS
Morena Cr Chung,
AND
Dave and Laura have both agreed for me to share their emails with you.
However, I must remind you that any requests for inquiries etc should go through the standard
channels via the enquiry email address.
INFORMATION
s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
OFFICIAL
Ngā mihi,
s7(2)(a)
Executive Co-ordinator – Legal, Policy and Inquiries
s7(2)(a)
| s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
Office of the Auditor-General Te Mana Arotake
GOVERNMENT
Improving trust, promoting value
Level 2, 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 3928
oag.parliament.nz | Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
LOCAL
THE
From: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Sent: Sunday, May 5, 2024 9:02 PM
UNDER
To: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Subject: RE: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
CAUTION External email: Unless you are certain the email is from a trusted source, DO NOT click links or open
RELEASED
attachments.
Hi s7(2)(a)
I can’t recall whether I have David and Laura’s email addresses so would you be able to send
these to me please?
Many thanks
Cheers, Ray
From: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 9:02 AM
To: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
1987
Morena Cr Chung,
ACT
Would Tuesday afternoon at 2pm – 3pm work for a meeting?
And if you would like David and Laura could briefly talk today ahead of that meeting for 15 mins
MEETINGS
at 9.30am?
AND
Ngā mihi,
s7(2)(a)
Executive Coordinator -
Legal, Policy and Inquiries
s7(2)(a)
| [email address]
INFORMATION
Office of the Auditor-General Te Mana Arotake
Improving trust, promoting value
Level 2, 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 3928
oag.parliament.nz | Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram
OFFICIAL
From: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 8:06 AM
To: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Subject: Re: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
GOVERNMENT
CAUTION External email: Unless you are certain the email is from a trusted source, DO NOT click links or open
LOCAL
attachments.
Hi again s7(2)(a) THE
We think we can cover most issues in 30-45 minutes but even if we can only fit a shorter time,
that’ll be appreciated and if we don’t get it all done, we could possibly continue next Tuesday?
UNDER
We consider there’s an urgency in this case?
Many thanks
RELEASED
Cheers Ray
Ray Chung
Councillor Onslow-Western
Wellington City Council
From: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 9:23:40 PM
To: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Subject: Re: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
Hi s7(2)(a)
Thanks for this. I’m guessing 30-60 minutes and coming with s7(2)(a)
and Cr. Diane
1987
Calvert.
ACT
If you could let me know tomorrow morning if there's a spot tomorrow afternoon, that'll be
great! I can do Tuesday afternoon but will check with the others on this.
Cheers Ray
MEETINGS
AND
Ray Chung
Councillor Onslow-Western
Wellington City Council
From: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2024 08:45
INFORMATION
To: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Subject: RE: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
Morena Cr Chung,
OFFICIAL
How long would you like the meeting for?
Friday is now looking full at this stage, so I will need to confirm with you tomorrow morning.
GOVERNMENT
Alternately I could confirm sometime on Tuesday.
Ngā mihi,
LOCAL
THE
s7(2)(a)
Executive Coordinator -
Legal, Policy and Inquiries
s7(2)(a)
| s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
UNDER
Office of the Auditor-General Te Mana Arotake
Improving trust, promoting value
Level 2, 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 3928
oag.parliament.nz | Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram
RELEASED
From: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 4:19 PM
To: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Subject: RE: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
CAUTION External email: Unless you are certain the email is from a trusted source, DO NOT click links or open
attachments.
Hi s7(2)(a)
How about Friday 22nd please?
I’m trying to get some more information prior to this meeting
1987
Cheers, Ray
ACT
From: s7(2)(a)
<s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:56 PM
To: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
MEETINGS
Subject: RE: Received: Cr Ray Chung / Wellington City Council - Reading Cinemas proposal
AND
Tēnā koe Cr Chung,
We would like to arrange a meeting to discuss your letter.
Do any of the below dates/times work with you?
INFORMATION
Friday 22 March: 1-3pm.
Monday 25 March: 8am-10am.
Tuesday 26 March: 8am-10am or 1.30-3pm.
OFFICIAL
Wednesday 27 March: 10am-12pm.
Alternatively please provide some suggestions and I will see what I can do.
Ngā mihi,
GOVERNMENT
s7(2)(a)
Executive Coordinator -
Legal, Policy and Inquiries
LOCAL
s7(2)(a)
| s7(2)(a)
@oag.parliament.nz
Office of the Auditor-General Te Mana Arotake
THE
Improving trust, promoting value
Level 2, 100 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011 | PO Box 3928
oag.parliament.nz | Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram
UNDER
_______________________________________________________________
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not
RELEASED
necessarily the official view or communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message
or the information on it.
_______________________________________________________________
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not
necessarily the official view or communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message
or the information on it.
_______________________________________________________________
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not
necessarily the official view or communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message
or the information on it.
1987
_______________________________________________________________
ACT
The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee and is not
necessarily the official view or communication of the Office of the Auditor-General.
If you are not the intended recipient you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message
or the information on it.
MEETINGS
AND
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
1987
ACT
MEETINGS
AND
INFORMATION
OFFICIAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL
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UNDER
RELEASED
Council (the Mayor) have been inextricably involved in the original proposal, it is important that
an independent review is conducted.
You may be interested in the following articles written by a respected member of the public –
Paul Ridley-Smith who has significant experience in such commercial deals.
Wellington.Scoop » Good news: the flawed welfare deal is off
Wellington.Scoop » The Reading deal: explained, debunked
1987
Following on from my complaint, I believe there is wide public support and interest that an
independent investigation/review is undertaken.
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We also can’t rely on WCC to conduct such a review. When we had a similar situation with the
recent extreme blow out on the Town Hall costs, officers and the Mayor did not support a
councillor led amendment to review management’s governance of the project. It subsequently
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did not proceed despite public support.
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I would hope therefore that your organisation will continue with your independent
investigation/review so that the public get the accountability they are looking for along with
appropriate improvements identified.
Best regards
INFORMATION
Ray
OFFICIAL
Rayward R Chung
Wellington City Councillor
Onslow Western ward
Wellington City Council
M s7(2)(f)(ii)
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E [email address]
W wellington.govt.nz
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From:
Councillor Ray Chung
To:
[email address]
Subject:
LTP amendments for reducing staff
Date:
Tuesday, 28 May 2024 6:26:00 pm
Hi Simeon
I was just told today by council officers when I wanted to move an amendment to freeze
recruiting more staff with a possible sinking lid that we can’t do this because of the Local
Government Act and that any authority to do this has to come from central government?
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ACT
This is very hard to believe? We’re continuing to employ more and more staff despite reaching
record expenditure and debt! Is this correct as why aren’t we cutting back on staffing levels that
have grown 27% in the past four years!
MEETINGS
Cheers, Ray
AND
Rayward R Chung
Wellington City Councillor
Onslow Western ward
Wellington City Council
M s7(2)(f)(ii)
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E [email address]
W wellington.govt.nz
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From:
Sophie Farrell
To:
Councillor Ray Chung
Subject:
MoLG to Councillor Ray Chung
Date:
Friday, 14 June 2024 11:24:21 am
Attachments:
image001.png
Ministerial response to Councillor Ray Chung.pdf
Dear Ray,
Please find attached recent correspondence from Hon Simeon Brown.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Simeon Brown
1987
Minister of Transport, Minister of Local Government, Minister for Energy, Minster for Auckland
Email: [email address] Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
ACT
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this
email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.
Please note information about meetings related to the Ministers’ portfolios will be proactively released (this does not include personal or constituency matters). For each
meeting in scope, the summary would list: date, time (start and finish), brief description, location, who the meeting was with, and the portfolio. If you attend a meeting with the
Minister on behalf of an organisation, the name of the organisation will be released. If you are a senior staff member at an organisation, or meet with the Minister in your
personal capacity, your name may also be released. The location of the meeting will be released, unless it is a private residence. The proactive release will be consistent with
the provisions in the Official Information Act, including privacy considerations. Under the Privacy Act 1993 you have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we
hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, or are concerned about the
release of your information in the meeting disclosure, please contact the sender. You can read more about the proactive release policy at https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive-
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MEETINGS
AND
From: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 10:17 AM
To: Simeon Brown (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: RE: MoLG to Councillor Ray Chung
Hi Sophie
Many thanks for this and to Simeon Brown for his comprehensive reply.
INFORMATION
I understand his comments on the +/-10% rule and acknowledge that this will not be covered in this upcoming bill, that I absolutely support. Are there any future plans to
address this inequity between the qualifying ward numbers between general wards and the Maori ward? The same with the inequity of having unelected members being
afforded voting rights on council?
Many thanks
OFFICIAL
Cheers, Ray
From: Sophie Farrell <[email address]>
On Behalf Of Simeon Brown (MIN)
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2024 2:52 PM
To: Councillor Ray Chung <[email address]>
Subject: MoLG to Councillor Ray Chung
Dear Ray,
GOVERNMENT
Please find attached recent correspondence from Hon Simeon Brown.
Kind regards,
Office of Hon Simeon Brown
LOCAL
Minister of Transport, Minister of Local Government, Minister for Energy, Minster for Auckland
Email: [email address] Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz
THE
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has misdirected this
email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure, copying or distribution is
prohibited and may be unlawful.
Please note information about meetings related to the Ministers’ portfolios will be proactively released (this does not include personal or constituency matters). For each
meeting in scope, the summary would list: date, time (start and finish), brief description, location, who the meeting was with, and the portfolio. If you attend a meeting with the
Minister on behalf of an organisation, the name of the organisation will be released. If you are a senior staff member at an organisation, or meet with the Minister in your
personal capacity, your name may also be released. The location of the meeting will be released, unless it is a private residence. The proactive release will be consistent with
UNDER
the provisions in the Official Information Act, including privacy considerations. Under the Privacy Act 1993 you have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we
hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, or are concerned about the
release of your information in the meeting disclosure, please contact the sender. You can read more about the proactive release policy at https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive-
Releases#MS
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From:
Councillor Ray Chung
To:
Nicola Willis
Cc:
Celia Horner
Subject:
Casino for Wellington
Date:
Wednesday, 26 June 2024 1:24:00 pm
Hi Nicola and Celia
We’ve just finished discussing Takina, our Conference Centre and looking at ways of improving the
utility of it and stop or at least slow the continuing losses on it. One idea that came up was to
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build a casino in there as we consider that as the capital city, it seems that we should have one
here.
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It’s not that we’re not considering the oft-discussed negative sides of problem gamblers but many
countries and cities have come up with solutions for this such as Singapore.
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I recall some years ago, central government decided that there would be a moratorium on
building a new casino in Wellington but this had a finite length of time. Has this moratorium
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expired now and if so, could we start a discussion on this?
Many thanks and looking forward to catching up at the Ethnic Community meeting at Johnsonville
next week.
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Cheers, Ray
Rayward R Chung
Wellington City Councillor
OFFICIAL
Onslow Western ward
Wellington City Council
M s7(2)(f)(ii)
E [email address]
W wellington.govt.nz
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