Council Replaces Code Of Conduct Policy

The Invercargill City Council revoked its 2025 Code of Conduct policy in just a matter of minutes on Tuesday afternoon (April 28) and replaced it with a new version.

It recently came to light that the ICC has now spent more than $125,000 on code of conduct complaints since 2020.

Manager - Governance and Legal Michael Morris told the council that it was always the intention that a more proactive Code of Conduct would by adopted by council, that provides greater ability for earlier intervention by the Mayor or chair of the Risk and Assurance Committee.

The former Code of Conduct was adopted at the Inaugural meeting on November 4, 2025.

“At the time limited changes had been made to the code from the previous version in place for the 2022-2025 term due to indications form Government that a new National Standard Code of Conduct would be in place early in 2026 that all councils would be required to adopt.

“This has not happened; however, the draft is now available for consideration and adoption if a super majority of councillors agree.

“This Code of Conduct represents a commitment from all elected members to maintain high standards of behaviour, which is important for their credibility as city leaders and for the reputation of Invercargill.”

Michael said the draft version of the National Standard Code of Conduct from the Local Government Commission is currently with the Minister but not yet adopted.

He said the new council version provides other options than simply having a formal investigation once a complaint is received.

“This is a significant step forward and will enable council to hopefully resolve issues short of having to engage an independent investigation each time.”

Cr Alex Crackett suggested that council could nominate an independent assessor from LGNZ that has a mediation service, “that we pay for in our membership.”

Councillors unanimously agreed to adopt the template prepared by the Local Government Commission.

Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said the new code’s focus on resolving issues earlier was a step in a more positive direction for the community.

“Council’s new Code of Conduct process will balance renewing our community’s confidence in its elected members and the governance systems within which we operate, with the public’s wish to reduce frivolous expenditure by dealing with any issues that arise in a clear, robust, and sensible manner,” he said.

While the Commission’s Code of Conduct template had not yet been rolled out nationwide, Council would be an early adopter of it, he said.