New Plymouth’s mayor threw councillor Murray Chong out of a meeting for calling a new policy racist, and questioned a Hobson’s Pledge founder’s motives for stoking division.
Would-be mayor Max Brough and his running-mate councillor Gordon Brown also faced criticism after defending Chong at this week’s New Plymouth District Council meeting.
Kevin Moratti – a founding board member of Hobson’s Pledge – last week denounced the council’s new buy-local plan as “race-based”.
Moratti said he wanted the New Plymouth Ratepayers Alliance given access to council decision-making “just as some other un-elected parties are”.
The council’s procurement plan aims to save money while making local economic, social, cultural and environmental gains.
Amongst many goals, it seeks to improve partnerships with iwi, hapū, and Māori businesses so they can supply council alongside other local companies.
At Tuesday’s meeting Chong vowed to oppose it.
“We do have a racist policy here.”
Mayoral contender Sam Bennett objected, saying council policies were based on the Local Government Act and Te Tiriti o Waitangi and “are no way race-based”.
Outgoing mayor Neil Holdom upheld the objection.
Chong withdrew the comment then immediately repeated it.
“The reality is, if the word race (sic) and it involves a race – that is racist,” said Chong.
He accused councillors of following the previous Labour Government’s agenda.
Holdom ruled that incorrect, banning him from speaking further.
“Councillor Chong, it’s three strikes and I’m saying you can sit down because … you’ve disparaged this organisation.”
“This is a racist policy,” Chong insisted.
Holdom ordered him out.
“It’s time to go, Councillor Chong.”
Chong tried to approach Moratti who was in the audience.
For years, the pair have campaigned against specific representation for mana whenua.
“Out!” shouted the mayor.
Mayoral candidate Brough attempted to explain Chong’s concern.
“We’re going to … be doing this again in a few months because the Government will change the rules. I think that’s Murray’s [Chong] point.”
Councillor Brown said Chong, “just used the wrong words”.
“I don’t think it was his intent. So, cut him some slack?” pleaded Brown.
“The oral language [is] not his greatest strength and he’s done well over the last 12 years to get where he is.”
Councillor Dinnie Moeahu said he’d clearly heard what Chong said.
“You two try and justify that behaviour … when you say he didn’t mean it that way,” said Moeahu.
“Those who keep questioning our standing in our community, in our country … what are you afraid of? And what have you lost?
“All I see is, finally we’re being included.”
Councillor Harry Duynhoven pointed to the councillors’ oath to serve the entire community.
“Mr Moratti, I see you laughing,” said the former Labour minister.
“I’m surprised you’re not on the ballot paper, that you haven’t actually put yourself up there and gone for it because you think you can do it better.”
As with similar groups nationwide, the New Plymouth Ratepayers Alliance was aligned with the Taxpayers’ Union, which forbade members standing for office.
Chong and Brough set up the ratepayer group with Moratti but stepped aside to get elected.
Councillor Anneka Carlson Matthews said they didn’t represent all ratepayers.
“They are racist and outdated and I’m happy to call that out.”
Mayor Holdom made her withdraw the racism allegation.
Councillor Bryan Vickery urged Moratti and others to read the “pretty impressive” procurement strategy.
“I don’t see this in any way as being separatist. In fact, the tenor of this document is being fair to all – but inclusive.”
Holdom said councillors ought to be leaders for inclusivity.
“It’s disappointing when people come into the organisation and try to divide us.
“It’s shadow boxing, the fear of something that doesn’t exist. It’s a fear that somehow being inclusive … comes at a cost to someone else.
“Just be aware of the people that want to do this, and what are their agendas?
“Because it’s clear to me that they are not acting in this community’s best interest, so what are they trying to achieve?””
Businessman Brough favoured local contracting and so voted for the procurement strategy at last week’s finance committee – but backtracked on Tuesday and abstained.
With Chong expelled, Brough was the sole councillor not in favour.
Moratti has been an ACT Party candidate for Parliament while Chong has stood for NZ First and the New Conservatives.
Moratti last week said he’d not been a Hobson’s Pledge member for 10 years but as recently as 2021 confirmed he was a trustee.
On Tuesday, he refused to answer questions, saying the LDR story revealing his demand for decision-making influence was biased.
“We will not give it any more energy.”
LDR is local body journalism funded by RNZ and NZ on Air
