Only one of Napier’s eligible 10 councillors is definitely interested in becoming Mayor Richard McGrath’s deputy, and half of them definitely aren’t interested, after his sudden standing down of Sally Crown from the position.
By Linda Hall, Local Democracy Reporter
Crown was dumped from the role on Tuesday after refusing McGrath’s request to resign and instead telling a full council meeting his decision-making was "chaotic" and she wanted funding set aside so he could undergo leadership and communication training.
Crown told Local Democracy Reporting she found out after the meeting she had been stood down through the media, rather than through McGrath.
"I haven’t formally been notified by the mayor [that I have been stood down]. I read it in the media," Crown said on Wednesday morning.
She said it was another example of McGrath’s communication with councillors not being up to the level she had experienced previously.
McGrath at 2pm on Monday asked for Crown’s resignation because of what he said was "a breakdown in the level of trust and loyalty he required in the deputy mayor’s role".
McGrath said on Wednesday he wouldn’t be "commenting further on this matter".
"In relation to the suggestion that I undertake leadership and communication training, I welcome the opportunity to continue developing my skills as a leader," he said.
“I’m committed to continuous improvement and will make the most of any opportunity that helps me lead effectively and deliver for Napier."
McGrath said he would be announcing the appointment of a new deputy "in the coming days".
Local Democracy Reporting asked the 10 remaining eligible Napier city councillors if they were interested.
Three did not answer the question, five said no, and only one said he would be open to serving as deputy if asked.
Councillor Greg Mawson said there were "always two sides to every story" and often more beneath the surface.
“Whether or not that fully comes out remains to be seen," Mawson said.
"I would be open to serving as deputy if asked. It is certainly a role I would need to grow into, and I’m comfortable acknowledging that," he said.
“A good deputy can challenge ideas robustly and disagree constructively, have the hard conversations in private, and remain united in public. That approach strengthens leadership rather than diminishing it and ultimately gives the community confidence in its council,” Mawson said.
Councillor Nigel Simpson did not say he didn’t want the role but said he didn’t anticipate being approached.
"It was an unfortunate situation and it was sad it was being played out in public," Simpson said.
Councillor Ronda Chrystal said while she respected the mayor’s authority to appoint and remove the deputy mayor, she thought there could have been other options available that could have resolved any concerns more constructively.
"I do not want to be the next deputy mayor."
Councillor Whare Issac-Sharland said leadership changes had a ripple effect and influenced the stability, trust, and cohesion of the entire council.
"I left the meeting feeling saddened and reflective, saddened for a colleague, and concerned about the limited opportunity for open discussion around such a significant decision."
Councillor Keith Price said he didn’t want to comment on the mayor’s decision.
"It’s his decision," he said.
"I do not want to be the mayor’s deputy. I just want to be part of a council that works for the city in a positive manner."
Councillor Shyanne Raihania said elected members were not consulted, briefed, or given the opportunity to collectively understand or discuss the standing down, which she said was an issue of "significant governance consequence".
"Decisions of this magnitude, made without engagement at the council table, risk undermining the very integrity and trust they claim to protect."
Crown said on Wednesday she was feeling tired but quite positive.
"I don’t need a title to do my job. All this stuff is noise, and just a process that I have to go through. But, nothing really changes for me."
Councillors Roger Brownlie and Craig Morley didn’t respond to requests for comment, while councillor Te Kira Lawrence said she was in meetings and travelling.
Ngāti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber said he was shocked when he heard Crown had been stood down and was asking the mayor to reconsider his decision.
Barber said he spoke to Crown shortly after, and tried to call McGrath, but he didn’t answer his call.
"Those elected to these roles come with a mandate from the community," he said.
"The difficult discussions and pointed debates are part of the job. You win some, and you lose some, but you still find a way to move forward together. You can’t afford to let things get personal."
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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