27 September 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Member of public unable to attend council meeting
Enquiry
I understand a member of the public - Justin Adams - was declined entry to today's council meeting.
I have some comments for right of reply (below and attached) for the council to respond to for a story about it.
I also have some questions (which may well be wrapped in any reply to his comments as well):
Why was a member of the public refused entry to the council meeting on September 23? Did this apply to all members of the public?
Who ultimately decided he was not permitted?
Is it correct he was advised he was not allowed entry because of "Covid"? What does this mean?
What is the council's policy for admitting members of the public to public meetings under Delta Alert Level 2? Is this in line with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act?
Response
From Oonagh Hopkins, DCE District Leadership and Democracy:
Due to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 restrictions Council staff are trying to manage the number of people in the Civic Centre at any given time.
Council received a complaint from Mr Adams and has responded to him directly regarding this.