An article from the Times Online Newspaper expresses anger at New Zealand’s Manukau City Mayor Sir Barry Curtis for agreeing to Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele’s request for help in Nuku’alofa’s reconstruction planning.

 

The article claims Sir Barry Curtis made the decision to use Maunkau City’s ratepayer resources without the full opportunity of all the councillors to debate the idea.

 

Quoting from the article: “The councillors believe the intention to help is right and appropriate, but not the responsibility of the Manukau City Council. The staff, due to leave at the end of the month, have been told they’re going, following talks between Tonga Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele and Sir Barry.”

 

The three councilors Jami-Lee Ross (Howick), Dick Quax (Botany) and Bob Wichman (Papatoetoe) are said to be worried sir Barry has taken the decision alone.

 

Councillor Ross is concerned the decision to send a Manukau delegation will have a negative impact on services to ratepayers.

 

“While I recognise that Tonga certainly has its problems, the Manukau City Council’s first responsibility is to look after the wellbeing of residents,” says Mr Ross.

 

“The council should not be conducting foreign policy on behalf of the New Zealand government. The council cannot afford to spare staff in the town planning and transport departments, where staff are already carrying a huge workload.”

 

Mr Ross points to the council’s annual report for 2005/6, which states “only” 50 per cent of resource consents and 60 per cent of building consents had been processed inside regulatory deadlines.

 

“We do not have enough town planners as it is. If the council’s own performance isn’t up to scratch, there certainly isn’t spare capacity to send them off to Tonga.

 

“Ratepayers expect the council to deliver good quality services, before considering any overseas activities,” says Mr Ross.

 

Councillor  Quax, who stood for the Manukau mayoralty in 2004, says Sir Barry has “no authority” to commit city expertise.

 

“Costs have yet to be agreed. It’s anticipated that the Tongan government will pick up the tab, the mayor has no right or authority to assign staff.”

 

Long-time Papatoetoe councillor Mr Wichman says the Nuku’alofa riots were “stupidity” and Tonga should be taking full responsibility for its reconstruction project.

 

TNEWS contacted the chairperson of the NZ Tongan Advisory Council - Melino Maka who claims to have attended a meeting with Sir Barry and Tongan Minister Hon. Paul Karalus.

Melino Maka said he expected some kind of criticism towards Sir Barry’s decision to help Tonga which he thought would be hard to justify. When asked if he thought NZ should help Tonga he said “Yes, if they don’t it will have repercussions big time”

 

Melino was apprehensive about being asked if Tonga should take full responsibility and did not wish to comment.

 

 

Story: Setita Millar