On August 19, Katie Allan gained the top role on the Oreti Community Board following the controversial overthrowing of the previous chairman — a move largely disapproved of.
But a month before that took place, she made a fiery submission to the Southland District Council’s (SDC’s) long-term plan in her capacity as a ratepayer, while also a member of the board.
Ms Allan began her five-page supporting document by saying the council was passing blame, congratulating itself and unrealistically fixating on growth.
"Concern is mounting that SDC has lost its way in the bureaucratic maze of governance," she wrote.
The council’s finances were deemed "disastrous", with adoption of the draft labelled "lazy . . . reckless and cruel".
In response to a question regarding the retention and use of Māori land, Ms Allan was critical of what she said were policies based on race.
She questioned the council’s connection to regional development agency Great South, which she said was "obsessed with growth and premature climate-change modelling".
Ms Allan concluded by urging the council to not be afraid to make decisions without experts telling them what to do, calling for "common sense" and stating she did not consent to the draft plan.
The plan was approved by staff on August 26.
In response to questions from Local Democracy Reporting, council acting chief executive Vibhuti Chopra said Ms Allan’s submission was read and considered along with more than 300 submissions.
The council was required under legislation to make sound decisions.
"We are dealing with public money, and we are required to be transparent and accountable about how we intend to spend it.
"Expert opinion is important to ensure we are considering all aspects on complicated or technical issues."
Ms Chopra said the council always welcomed feedback.
Great South chief executive Chami Abeysinghe said work undertaken by her agency included supporting businesses with decarbonisation and monitoring emissions in the region.
"Climate-change modelling is only undertaken if requested. It is not currently part of our mahi against the statement of intent."
Local Government New Zealand did not wish to comment.
Ms Allan was scheduled to present her submission during the hearing process but was a late withdrawal due to sickness.
She was contacted but is on leave until October 14.
The council confirmed Ms Allan had not put in an application for her leave of absence, instead relaying she would be off due to personal reasons.
— Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter
— LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
