Newly appointed New Zealand Fish and Game Council chairman Peter Robinson has declined to comment on the progress of a complaint made by Otago councillor Dave Witherow against its chief executive.
Mr Witherow sent a questionnaire last year to chairmen of regional Fish and Game councils accusing Bryce Johnson of incompetence.
In response, the national council called for the Otago council to consider replacing him, but it endorsed his appointment. The complaint was on the agenda of the national council's meeting in Wellington at the weekend. It is understood the issue was put off until the council's next meeting. Mr Robinson said when contacted he preferred not to comment in the media on matters ''concerning individuals''.
'' ... my hope and aim as chairman is that the New Zealand and regional councils will work together constructively, so that the organisation can be fully focused on the important challenges before us, in particular, the proposed changes to the RMA [Resource Management Act], which in their current form will weaken the existing protection afforded the habitat of sports fish and game.''
Mr Witherow could not be contacted.
