Queenstown Lakes Mayor denies censorship

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers says he is not censoring community groups after he barred them from today’s public forum. 

Representatives from the Malaghan Valley Protection Society Incorporated, and the Friends of Gibbston Character Zone were both denied speaking rights by the Mayor, as the chair of today’s full council meeting.

Speaking at today’s public forum, Mayor Lewers said both speakers wanted to talk about projects attached to the Government’s Fast track Approvals Bill. 

“I acknowledge that these processes, while these proposed projects may be challenging and certainly are an area of concern for the communities potentially affected, while enabling people to voice their views on important local matters, people to voice their views on important matters is important to this council. 

“I would like to clarify that the decision to decline speakers is not one of censorship but made on the basis that this is a central government process and sits out outside of the terms of reference for council. If you have a look through the bill, there are certain parts of that bill that will potentially include elected members. 

“I won't have our members prejudiced in a way where it stops them from participating in that process. 

“Whilst the bill has yet to yet be complete it's pathway into law, the initial draft appears clear that Council has no decision making role in the fast track approval process and what their future role it will play is yet unclear. Based on previous Covid fast track legislation, Council may have a role in the process in terms of responding to specific queries from the decision making body, the government's appointed expert panel. Should the final act if passed into law, define a council role, define a different role for Council. Any future requests to speak in public forum will be considered in that context.

"I appreciate the decision not to enable speakers on this matter at this time may be disappointed.”

Main image: Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers.