Business As Usual As Acting Mayor Takes The Reins

Invercargill City Council started its first meeting of the year with a suggestion from a local business veteran it should slow down. Related: Deputy Mayor Ready To Step Up Into New Role

Bob Simpson is an architect who was once on the Vibrant City Centre group back in 1997, and spoke in the public forum, suggesting the new museum move to the old H&J Smith building.

His grand plans also included a new civic square using adjacent buildings, and well away from the  existing Wachner Place that would soon receive a makeover.

Acknowledging the Mayor’s recent heart surgery, he wished Nobby Clark a speedy recovery and added that he hoped he would find a way to reduce his stress.

“I think the council should slow down and have a cup of tea,” he said.

While keen to see a new museum soon through Project 1225 which was well on track, he asked the council to improve its Long Term Plan,  and considering the aging population, “that cannot afford these projects.”

Deputy Mayor Tim Campbell did a great job of running the first council meeting for the year, and said Mayor Clark was getting better and stronger by the day.

When it came to discussing standing orders around a Mayor’s leave of absence, councillor Ria Bond asked that the issue be moved into public excluded.

She said a situation arose in December where an email was circulated to members, that she had some grave concerns about.

Due to both privacy and the sensitivity of the information, it was decided to discuss the issue behind closed doors.