The central government has sought proof that Tauranga City Council is working to resolve spats between its elected members.
Mayor Tenby Powell called another councillor a 'soft c**k' in text messages, Stuff reports. Photo: Supplied
The in-fighting at the council includes Mayor Tenby Powell calling councillor Kelvin Clout a "soft c**k" and "spineless coward" in text messages, according to news outlets NZME and Stuff.
According to a written statement from the council, elected members will consider a report on governance issues and a recommended action plan on how to resolve the relationship issues at an emergency council meeting on Friday.
The council will have the option to enact the plan and address elected members' relationship issues.
Chief executive Marty Grenfell said the proposed action was a response to a request from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) that the council provide assurance and evidence that it was taking proactive steps to "restore trust and confidence in its ability to meet the Crown's expectations of a high-performing Council".
He said the DIA sought information so that it could advise Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta on action she might need to take pursuant to part 10 of the Local Government Act.
"The minister has the power to assist or intervene in such situations," he said.
"We believe that by initiating the appointment of a Review and Observer Team to monitor interactions and performance and report both to council and DIA, the council can establish a path forward which can promote more constructive working relationships between councillors and between the mayor and councillors."