New Zealand / Southland

Fish and Game councillor apologises over comments, but won't resign

17:22 pm on 28 February 2020

A Southland Fish and Game councillor who was asked to resign over his "chick scientists" comments is standing his ground.

Ken Cochrane Photo: ODT / Karen Pasco

Ken Cochrane has been under fire since speaking at a recreational whitebaiters meeting in Invercargill on Sunday.

He told the crowd that the Department of Conservation's whitebaiting proposal was pitched by "chick scientists" who wanted whitebaiters "to hold hands and sing kumbaya".

Cochrane issued an apology after facing a backlash for his comments.

On Wednesday, a vote of no confidence was unanimously passed by the Southland Fish and Game Council and Cochrane was asked to resign by 4pm today.

Council chair Graeme Watson said Cochrane was not going to resign, and council would seek advice before considering its next step.

Cochrane declined to comment.