Davy ousted from regional transport committee

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Eric Davy has been ousted as chair of the regional transport committee after his fellow councillors voted 7-5 against him.

The Notice of Motion to remove Cr Davy was moved by councillor Luke Acland, arguing that Cr Davy told councillors that he wasn’t involved in the New Zealand Transport Agency investigations into the proposed Southern Link, when he was.

Deputy chair Ruth Copeland has been promoted to chair of the regional transport committee.

Eric Davy says he was not contacted by those moving the Notice of Motion and found it to be an “absolute surprise”.

“And quite disgraceful that it has been done so.”

Those who voted in favour of the notice were: Luke Acland, Matt Lawrey, Pete Rainey, Mike Ward, Ruth Copeland, Kate Fulton and Brian McGurk.

Cr Copeland says she “feels capable” to take on the role and noted her time as deputy to Cr Davy. “I stand beside councillor Davy in a collegial respect.”

But the move has earned the wrath of the mayor and deputy mayor.

Deputy mayor Paul Matheson says the vote is the first time in 20 years of local body government experience that he has seen a Notice of Motion brought against a single person.

“I’m not disgusted, I’m just extremely disappointed in the behaviour. This notice of motion is really a smoke screen over the NZTA business case. Pick up your toys, reflect on your behaviour and have a good Christmas,” he said to those who moved the motion.

Mayor Rachel Reese says she felt it unfair that the councillors targeted Cr Davy. “To use a sledgehammer instead of sitting down and have a cup of coffee together is not good process.”

Luke Acland says the notice wasn’t intended to be a personal attack. “It’s about good governance and process.”