Councillor at centre of online controversy resigns

Dave McKenzie, the newly-elected Central Otago councillor at the centre of controversy dating to 2018, has resigned, potentially triggering a byelection.

Provisional results show McKenzie currently holds a seat on the council representing the Vincent Ward. However he is just 38 votes ahead of the next highest poller with final results due on Thursday.

He previously said he would not resign but today issued a statement saying the controversy was taking a toll.

McKenzie had been the subject of online posts alleging he had altered an invoice for personal gain when working as a council contractor in 2018.

Legal documents released by the council show McKenzie had altered a subcontractor's invoice adding $1000 to it before sending it to the council.

Today, in a statement McKenzie said: "The online destructive, misinformation and hatred has become a too higher price to pay for my children, my wife, and my physical and mental wellbeing".

"I stand by every decision or action I have taken in my life and the accountability that goes along with that.

"I am disappointed, I am forced to put our wellbeing ahead of the communities need.

"My family wish to take some time, decompress and move on with our lives. Consequently, I will not be making any further comments on my resignation or online posts.”

Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said she had received an email from McKenzie today advising of his decision.

"If Mr. McKenzie is confirmed as a councillor in the official results, his resignation will take effect immediately. We anticipate official results by the end of this week. This will trigger a by-election for the Vincent ward, expected to be held in the next few months," she says.

"While this will incur additional costs for ratepayers, I believe it is the best outcome to ensure our community’s full confidence in the integrity of their Council over the next three years."

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