VIA chief executive David Vinsen isn’t surprised Auckland Council has been ordered to apologise over delays releasing a report about the future of the imported vehicle trade.
Chief ombudsman Peter Boshier says Auckland Council’s five month delay releasing the report to Radio New Zealand under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) was unacceptable.
The NZIER report, commissioned by Auckland mayor Phil Goff, warned removing the imported vehicle trade from Ports of Auckland could cost the city $1 billion.
“I believe an apology is necessary because I have found the council’s handling of the request was unreasonable and contrary to law in some respects,” Boshier says.
“Overall, there was a lack of co-ordination and oversight; staff were not aware of their role in the process, or who should make the decision.”
Boshier says there was nothing to suggest council officials acted improperly in this case.
However, Vinsen, whose organisation and members contributed information to the report, says the ombudsman’s comments come as “no surprise”, but it goes much deeper.
“It wasn’t inefficiency or incompetence. I think it was quite deliberate, but I’m not sure why.
“We were very disappointed at the time that the report hadn’t been released and were given a variety of reasons for the delay.”
Boshier says he is looking forward to Auckland Council reviewing its LGOIMA processes.
“Auckland Council is the largest council in the country. It should set the standard for the other 77 local authorities in New Zealand.”
“The council is conducting its own internal review of its LGOIMA policies and procedures, which I intend to look over to make sure things are working well.”
Auckland Council has been approached for comment.
