Former journalist to carry out $130k Gore review
“It is also important to note this is a review to provide recommendations to move forward and not an investigation to determine findings of fault.”
Former journalist and Wellington law firm partner Linda Clark is likely to undertake an estimated $130k review of the Gore District Council in the wake of recent issues.
The Council will consider terms of reference for the review and Clark’s appointment at its meeting next Tuesday.
In a report to the Council, Acting Chief Executive Rex Capil says the overall objective of the review was to reset, rebuild, reconcile, and redeem.
“It is also important to note this is a review to provide recommendations to move forward and not an investigation to determine findings of fault.”
It comes after a breakdown in relationship between GDC CEO Steve Parry and Gore Mayor Ben Bell spilled into the public.
The pair are not on speaking terms and Parry went as far as say the relationship was irreparable.
A group of councillors initially called for Bell to resign after saying they had lost trust in the Mayor. A vote of no confidence was planned but never happened.
Instead, the council has indicated they were now united as a review takes place.
Gore District Mayor Ben Bell, deputy mayor Cr Keith Hovell and Capil met with representatives from LGNZ earlier this week to discuss the terms of reference of the review. At that meeting, Clark, a partner at Dentons Kensington Swan, was proposed as the reviewer.
Capil said Clark was an experienced advisor, risk assessor and strategist.
“Her public law and litigation experience, combined with political acumen, allows her to help clients identify and manage a wide range of public law, administrative law and regulatory issues.”
He estimates the review will cost $130,000.
Predict she'll make decisions that draw some notoriety to her more than the events.