Wellington City Council to launch investigation into Mayor Andy Foster following complaint

Wellington City Council will move forward with an investigation into Mayor Andy Foster after a councilman filed a formal complaint about his behavior, the Herald understands.

Before councilors voted to sell and lease council-owned land at a meeting two weeks ago, Councilwoman Jenny Condie revealed that she had filed the complaint.

Condie claims that Foster showed her the information the morning of the vote that she believed he did not have permission to share, and it was potentially defamatory to a former council official.

“These accusations are similar to those that the Superior Court heard in 2018 and dismissed. I think it is extremely reckless for the mayor to try to unfairly tarnish the professional integrity and probity of a former Council official,” he said in his complaint. .

“Mayor Foster’s actions were improper in my opinion and I take this opportunity to request that his actions be investigated. I believe that I am not the only councilman to whom Mayor Foster has shown this information.”

The council’s executive director, Barbara McKerrow, later confirmed that she had received the complaint and was receiving advice on the issues raised.

It is now understood that independent outside attorneys will be appointed to investigate.

Condie declined to comment. Foster said it was a “standard process” and declined to comment further.

The investigation comes after more controversy broke out over Shelly Bay this week.

Foster was apparently photographed helping a group of iwi set up tents in Shelly Bay on Sunday, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a months-long land occupation.

He said the tent he was photographed with had already been erected and that he was simply being a “good camper” by helping with a broken pole.

That did not sit well with many councilors, who say he has shown utter disregard for the will of the council he is supposed to lead and has thrown them into uncharted waters.