Key Takeaways:
- Dunedin City Councillor Andrew Simms has been accused of prioritizing election campaigning over governing the city.
- Councillors Marie Laufiso, Steve Walker, and Christine Garey criticized Simms for organizing a meeting to discuss wastewater overflows with residents, calling it "inappropriate" and "electioneering".
- Simms denied the allegations, stating that the meeting was an opportunity for new councillors to meet residents and understand their concerns.
- The controversy highlights the challenges faced by the Dunedin City Council in addressing wastewater overflows and infrastructure issues.
- The incident has sparked a debate about the role of councillors and their responsibilities in governing the city.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Dunedin City Council has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding Councillor Andrew Simms, who has been accused of prioritizing election campaigning over governing the city. The issue began when Simms organized a meeting to discuss wastewater overflows with residents, which was attended by a select group of councillors. However, not all councillors were invited, and those who were not included have criticized Simms for his actions. Councillors Marie Laufiso, Steve Walker, and Christine Garey have spoken out against Simms, calling the meeting "inappropriate" and "electioneering".
The Meeting and Its Aftermath
The meeting in question was held to discuss the issue of wastewater overflows in South Dunedin, which has been a persistent problem for residents. The overflows have resulted in sewage, toilet paper, and sanitary products spilling into the streets, causing distress for those affected. Simms has been vocal about the issue, stating that the council’s response to the overflows has been a "disgrace" and that residents deserve an apology. However, his decision to organize a meeting to discuss the issue with residents has been criticized by his fellow councillors, who argue that it was not an official council meeting and that Simms was using it as an opportunity to campaign for the next election.
Councillors’ Criticisms
Councillors Laufiso, Walker, and Garey have all spoken out against Simms’ actions, criticizing him for his perceived lack of commitment to his role as a councillor. Laufiso stated that she would have declined the invitation to the meeting if she had been invited, and that Simms should focus on learning the job of a territorial authority governor rather than electioneering. Garey agreed, stating that several councillors, including Simms, were still in election mode and that their energy would be better spent on learning the job they had been elected to do. Walker also criticized Simms, stating that the meeting undermined the work of the council’s staff, who were doing their best to address the infrastructure neglect and climate change impact.
Simms’ Response
Simms has roundly rejected the criticisms, describing them as "abhorrent", "bizarre", and "patently ridiculous". He argued that the meeting was an opportunity for new councillors to meet residents and understand their concerns, and that he was following through on promises made to the people of South Dunedin during the 2025 election. Simms also stated that he resented and rejected suggestions of poor attendance during induction, pointing out that some of the councillors who were criticizing him had not attended a recent Three Waters update.
The Broader Context
The controversy surrounding Simms’ meeting highlights the challenges faced by the Dunedin City Council in addressing wastewater overflows and infrastructure issues. The council has been working to address the problems, but it is clear that there are differing opinions on how to approach the issue. The incident has also sparked a debate about the role of councillors and their responsibilities in governing the city. While some councillors see Simms’ actions as a legitimate attempt to engage with residents, others view it as a breach of protocol and a distraction from the real issues at hand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Councillor Andrew Simms’ meeting has highlighted the challenges faced by the Dunedin City Council in addressing wastewater overflows and infrastructure issues. While Simms has denied allegations of electioneering, his fellow councillors have criticized him for his actions, arguing that he should focus on governing the city rather than campaigning for the next election. The incident has sparked a debate about the role of councillors and their responsibilities, and it remains to be seen how the council will move forward in addressing the issues facing the city. Ultimately, the people of Dunedin deserve a functional and effective council that is focused on addressing their concerns, rather than engaging in petty politics and infighting.
