Hastings councillors unanimously vote to sack GM

Trevor Sargeant 

This is not something that occurred overnight, and is the result of a long process.

Some of our policies and direction have been fairly reactive in the past, which gets in the way of planning for the future. 

This change means opportunities for the community’s future are not diluted and can be achieved.

Lisa Intemann 

My main concern is that we must have a general manager with the ability to grasp issues across the whole of the organisation, which is itself already a very complex place.

I was involved with the performance review for more than six months and there were ongoing discussions throughout, including after a new performance management plan was devised.

It is a tricky job, but it’s not impossible and it can be done. I’m certainly comfortable with the decision, the fact that it was unanimous indicates the level of common ground.

Geoff Hawkins 

I am very comfortable that due process has been followed here.

I think the community can take great confidence (that this) is a very different set of circumstances (to other GM sackings).

The community can also take confidence that we were all very concerned the process was followed closely, and that all nine councillors were together on this.

Justin Levido 

We are at a stage where council needs an approach that involves more significant leadership and organisation.

I agree that, at the time of his appointment, Tony Hayward was the best person for the task of setting council up in those early days.

Now that things are bedded down, we need to move onto the next stage 

Sharon Griffiths

It’s important to remember this isn’t about personal views.

Councillors have to consider the community’s interests and requirements.

Mayor Peter Besseling:

It is regrettable that yesterday’s actions to dismiss the general manager was required, however it is the right decision and it is in the best interests of the broader community. It is also in the best interests of the staff, and the entire organisation, particularly given council’s vision.

Let’s make no bones about this, this was a difficult decision. The easy decision would have been to continue on, even though councillors were of a view we should move in a different direction. The past history of the council weighed heavily upon that decision, but it does not make the decision any less right.

It is important we take the tough decisions, we were elected to make changes that are in the best interests of the broader community. it is much better than working forward for another two years when we know the situation is untenable.

Obviously (the general manager) was upset. It’s a difficult process. There is no easy way of going through this process. I personally think Tony is a very nice guy. Our relationship would have been damaged throughout this process no doubt.

I wish Tony no ill-will and all the best for his future endeavours.

Councillors Mike Cusato and Rob Turner were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press