Waitaki councilman resigns after allegations of staff misconduct at Christmas party

A Waitaki district councilman resigned after allegations of inappropriate behavior at a Christmas party at work.

Waihemo Ward Councilman in the first term, Peter Newton, sent an email to councilors yesterday, announcing his immediate resignation for reasons of personal development, reflection and to spend more time with his family.

The Otago Daily Times understands that there were allegations of inappropriate behavior against Newton at the council’s Christmas party last week.

The council has not formally announced its resignation, but has removed Newton from its website, indicating that a Waihemo district councilor will be elected.

Newton declined to comment on what the allegations were, but said he took full responsibility for his behavior.

“I may have behaved inappropriately and that has certainly played a role in my decision making,” Newton said.

“If I’ve done something wrong somewhere, I certainly take full responsibility for it.”

He said he enjoyed his time with the council and praised his fellow councilors for their work.

“I tried to do my best for the Waihemo community and move things forward in this way, and I am certainly grateful for the community’s support during my election and tenure.

“I’m looking forward to taking time for my family … and being a better parent.”

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher declined to comment on the allegations, but said he had not received any formal complaints and did not believe any had been filed with the council’s chief executive, Fergus Power.

Power did not respond to requests for comment yesterday.

By-elections will be held the new year.

Newton was the only councilman in the Waihemo ward.

A “fellow counselor” would be appointed to work with the Waihemo Community Board in the interim.

“We want to make sure that there is not a gap as such and make sure that we are taking care of the good people of Waihemo,” Kircher said.

Newton was elected in 2019, beating incumbent Jan Wheeler by 79 votes.

Wheeler said he had not decided whether to run in the by-elections.