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Colin Smith, pictured with a council staffer, said he was “very disappointed” with the four board members who ousted him.
photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR
The Southland Community Council chairman was removed from his top position in front of a huge crowd of people who showed their support for him.
More than 100 people packed into Winton Memorial Hall on Monday night to witness Colin Smith’s final moments as chairman of Oreti Community Council.
When the vote decided his fate by a four-to-three margin, a boisterous crowd expressed their displeasure with the result.
There were boos from time to time in the venue, and some people shouted “Shame on you”.
When the board had to decide who would replace Smith, one person shouted, “Nominate Colin again.”
Monday’s meeting was based on a letter to Southland Regional Council dated July 23, signed by four members known to be at odds with other board members.
More than 100 people packed into Winton Memorial Hall on Monday night, which happened to be chairman Colin Smith’s last day in office.
photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR
Katie Allen, Dave Diack, Chris Hrude and Tracy Kennedy asked for a meeting to remove Smith, and on a cold Monday night, they got their wish.
The council has hit the headlines this year for its dysfunctional operation and was criticised for voting in June against a proposal for the community to upgrade Winton’s ageing CCTV.
Those opposed to the project include the four letter writers, as well as Karen Maw, whose sudden resignation recently triggered a by-election.
Monday’s meeting began with an open forum where people expressed support for Smith.
Among them was Southland Mayor Rob Scott, who said he saw great leadership in the former chairman.
“It’s not an easy role. It’s quite easy to be critical of the chairman from the cheap seats. But from what I’ve seen Colin has been playing with a straight bat throughout,” Scott said.
“He always had the community’s interests at heart.”
Southland Mayor Rob Scott supported Smith, saying he always had the community at heart.
photo: Matthew Rosenberg/LDR
Darren Frazer, a councillor appointed by the board, also supported Smith, saying that even on his last day in office, he would arrive early at 4 p.m. to set up chairs for the meeting and turn on the heater.
“I think it actually speaks volumes about his service and servanthood as a leader.
“Colin, I support you 100 percent.”
Councilwoman Margie Ruddenklau said removing Smith would not only mean losing a chair, but also a “real advocate for the community.”
After the vote to remove it, Smith thanked the community for its involvement.
He was “very disappointed” with the four members but was humbled by what was shared that night and said he would continue as a member.
The meeting then voted to appoint a new chairperson, with member Katie Allan defeating incumbent vice chairperson Philip Dobson by four votes to three.
LDR is a local news organisation co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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