Takena Stirling’s resignation from Waipā District Council has sparked media stories about his attendance at meetings.
Read: Councillor resigns
Stirling missed seven of 11 meetings since December – two of which were to represent the council at Te Maruata Hui – and was paid just under $19,000 during that time.
His last appearance at the council table was on December 13. Stirling is not the only councillor who missed several meetings five months into the term.
Cambridge councillors Philip Coles and Mike Pettit were absent on holiday for five meetings each. They missed their swearing in on October 31 – and four more leading up to Christmas.
Deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk missed four meetings before Christmas for the same reason.
Roger Gordon, Mike Montgomerie and Clare St Pierre have attended every meeting during the same period.
Payments made to councillors up to March 31 are:
Andrew Brown $22,455.72, Lou Brown $20,981.22, Philip Coles $20,981.22, Roger Gordon $18,769.84, Marcus Gower $20,244.34, Mike Montgomerie $22,455.72, Susan O’Regan $66,325.12, Mike Pettit $19,507.09, Clare St Pierre $23,192.97, Liz Stolwyk $28,352.97, Bruce Thomas $22,455.72.
Councillor Attendance Oct 2022 – Mar 2023