A High Court challenge has stymied the effort of a small group of Auckland councillors to reduce the influence of Māori on Watercare.
The court has set aside the decision to appoint engineer Geoff Hunt to chair the country’s largest water company, but lawyers for the council and the Houkura Independent Māori Statutory Board are still arguing about what material should be redacted from the judgment.
Houkura successfully argued that a procedural amendment moved by councillor Maurice Williamson breached standing orders, which means the council needs to make a fresh appointment.
It said a panel had unanimously recommended a Māori candidate for the role, but the appointments committee agreed to Williamson’s amendment behind closed doors in the June meeting.
Mr Williamson told Newsroom he got legal advice and procedure advice from the secretariat before acting, and he believes it was a legitimate move.
Houkura is awaiting the final court decision, which is expected by the end of the week.
