Business as usual says council after surprise resignation

With the sudden resignation on October 9 by Kaipara District Mayor Greg Gent, following hot on the heels of the departing CEO Graham Sibery in late August, speculation has been rife regarding ‘what is in the water’ at the local council.

KDC’s Deputy Mayor Peter Wethey, who will take over mayoral duties until the council by-election in February 2018, says he can assure residents that ‘nothing is going on at council’.

“Greg’s resignation did come as a real shock to myself and the other councillors, but it came after a good deal of thought on his part,” he says. “Maybe in the future the details will come out but I can reassure residents that people in the council are doing their jobs. It will be business as usual.”

He also says he has not seen anything on social media that holds any truth.

A year ago nearly to the day, Greg Gent was elected Kaipara’s first mayor in four years, preceding Neil Tiller who last held the seat in 2012. Gent states personal reasons not health related, as to why he is stepping down.

“Greg and I worked closely together and complimented each other’s styles,” Wethey says. “As time goes by residents will see progress from the groundwork laid… we will see the benefits of his term and continue in that direction.”

As to whether Wethey will be a contender for the Mayoral seat come February, he says it is early days to decide anything just yet but an option he may consider.

Mayor Greg Gent was unable to be contacted for further comment at time of print.