Martin De Ruyter/Stuff
Protester Anne Smith, centre, just after she was pushed on March 11 by councillor Tim Skinner, right. Fellow Extinction Rebellion protester Yasmeen Jones-Chollet is on the left. Skinner also says that in a private message on social media that was later made public, “I made negative comments” about Nelson mayor Rachel Reese’s reasons for making a code of conduct complaint in relation to the incident. “I should not have criticised the mayor s reasons for initiating the code of conduct process,” Skinner says. “That was unfair and disrespectful. “What I did was not OK. I m sorry that I did it and take responsibility for the consequence of my actions, and accept that I breached the code.”
The issue was debated at a council meeting on Thursday, with a strong contingent of supporters turning out for Cr Skinner in the public gallery – several of whom spoke during the public forum of the meeting. Among them was Community Art Works Nelson co-ordinator Faye Wulff who said she had read the independent report and its recommendations, and it seemed like a good way forward. “I’ve known Tim for many years, and have been impressed with his diligence and care for his role as a city councillor and for the community he lives in. “Tim knows he was unwise in his actions, but he was simply trying to do his job, and unlike many people I was there that morning.”
Robertson advised that for a “material and serious breach” of the code, Skinner should publicly apologise both to the protester and his fellow councillors, and stand aside from his position as Community and Recreation Committee chairman for one round of meetings. While other options could include a letter of censure or a removal of responsibilities, Robertson said if the actions he advised were carried out “then other penalties may seem unnecessary”.
Extinction Rebellion Whakatu protesters Yasmeen Jones-Chollet, left and Anne Smith with Nelson City Councillor Tim Skinner after Skinner pushed Smith. In his preliminary assessment, Robertson said he took several key factors into account.
Braden Fastier/Stuff
Kahu Hunter-Brown jumps into Lake Rotoiti, near St Arnaud, in January 2018. The water services around St Arnaud and Murchison may be amalgamated into a different entity to those in other areas of Tasman District. However, the Government says it “remains interested” in continuing discussion with local government and iwi/Māori most affected by the proposed boundary choices – the Taranaki region, the Hauraki Gulf and the South Island, in particular. “Whether there should be a single entity covering the whole of the South Island, or instead take an approach that uses the Ngāi Tahu takiwā [area],” the Government information says.
Councillor's interaction with protestor seen as 'serious breach' of council code stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.