25 March 2020

Today (Wednesday 25th March 2020), South Wairarapa District Council held an emergency meeting to discuss special delegations for decision-making and government processes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Emergency Committee has now been appointed to make effective and timely decisions that will ensure lawful decision-making continues, should Council be unable to hold or host collective meetings in accordance with the requirements of legislation.

Comprising the Mayor and all SWDC Councillors, the Emergency Committee will operate during Alert Levels 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 pandemic. Council has also approved an Emergency Delegation for the Chief Executive to exercise the Council’s powers, duties, and responsibilities in the event that the Emergency Committee is unable to convene. This includes the ability to authorise any level of expenditure related to the COVID-19 emergency.

Harry Wilson, SWDC’s Chief Executive, says these are extraordinary measures in extraordinary times and that Council has a duty to residents to make sure that Council’s essential services are not compromised.

The Emergency Delegation is subject to strict conditions and can be revoked at any time. Its status will be reviewed once the pandemic Alert Level reverts to 2.

In attendance at today’s meeting was: Mayor, Alex Beijen, with Councillors A Plimmer, B West, P Colenso, R Fox, L Hay; and with Deputy Mayor, Garrick Emms, and Councillors B Jephson and P Maynard present via teleconference.

The meeting (held at Martinborough Town Hall) was closed to the public in accordance with Level 3 COVID 19 requirements.

South Wairarapa District Council values transparency and participation in public processes. As all council venues are now closed to the public, Council is working quickly to provide for tele- or video-conferencing for future meetings.

For more information about the Emergency Committee in the council paper here.

ENDS

Further information:

Amy Wharram

Communications Manager

027 252 2863