Peters Winston: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumePeters Winston: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 29 April 2015. Volume:704;Page:2994. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]4.Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Leader—NZ First)to the Associate Minister of Local Government: Did she consider all relevant factors in reappointing the Kaipara District Council Commissioners; if not why not?Hon LOUISE UPSTON (Associate Minister of Local Government):Yes.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Prior to making her decision did she discuss with the commission its decision to not take action against Beca Carter Hollings and Ferner Ltd concerning that company’s involvement in the Mangawhai waste-water scheme cost blowout of tens of millions of dollars?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: In coming up with my decision to extend the term of the commissioners I met with them and others and took into consideration a number of issues and challenges that the council faced. The two biggest issues that I considered were the effects of the uncertainty of the Local Government Commission’s reorganisation proposal and unresolved legal proceedings related to the Mangawhai community.Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I am asking specifically—Mr SPEAKER: Order! I am going to invite the member to re-ask that question.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Thank you very much. Prior to making her decision did she discuss with the commission its decision to not take action against Beca Carter Hollings and Ferner Ltd concerning that company’s involvement in the Mangawhai waste-water scheme cost blowout of tens of millions of dollars?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: One of the matters that did come up in my discussions with the commissioners was the issue of Beca. I am advised that having considered the matter carefully the commissioners decided that the cost of pursuing a claim with a limited chance of success was not a productive use of ratepayer funds and that it was reasonable to call time on this stream of work.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Well when the commission gave the Limitation Act issues as one of its reasons for not taking legal action against the Beca Group was it not obvious to her that the commission at all times had the power to not be caught by that law—that is not delay making a decision and then use that delay as an excuse to not take legal action?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: Members of this House will be clear about the very complex challenges that the Kaipara District Council faced when the intervention was put in place in 2012. One of those included a very comprehensive review by the Auditor-General. The commissioners had a number of issues that they wanted to address and they addressed them in order of priority. Beca was one that they decided was not the best use of ratepayer funds in pursuing a legal challenge.Rt Hon Winston Peters: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I am putting at issue the question of the Limitation Act—Mr SPEAKER: Order! No. On this occasion I listened very carefully and that question has been addressed.Rt Hon Winston Peters: What investigations has she or her Government initiated into the appalling circumstances behind the sewerage scheme cost blowout thereby demonstrating to Kaipara ratepayers and voters the simple principle of accountability to both of those groups?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: It will be clear to many that the very reason that this Government put an intervention in place and appointed commissioners was the interests of the Kaipara ratepayers. As you are well aware there was a significant blowout and mismanagement of a waste-water scheme project which has been investigated by the Auditor-General who is an Officer of Parliament.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Did she consult with the local member of Parliament before making her decision to reappoint the commission; if not why not?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: I consulted widely and broadly in coming to my decision. As that member knows I gave him the courtesy of a phone call before the announcement was made and I have offered to brief him in my office on the issues. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss it with you in detail.Rt Hon Winston Peters: Now for the truth. Given that she called me within 1 hour of making the announcement and that in the recent by-election in the Northland electorate the Kaipara ratepayers and voters amongst many issues made their displeasure over this issue very clear at that time why did she and her Government not get the message?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: As I said in my last answer I consulted widely. There were many letters emails and phone calls to my office. I also took the time to visit the district and talk to individuals and community leaders. I was very clear then on the receipt of two different petitions. The one that was in favour of the commissioners retaining their positions for another 12 months was three times the size of any other.