New Plymouth Council takes a shock turn around

DEVELOPING STORY: It wasn't really what Eric Brewer expected but in a shock turn around the New Plymouth District Council have allowed the beachcomber of Oakura in Taranaki to live in his driftwood home, but its only for now as infonews.co.nz reports...

 It came Wednesday, the day Eric Brewer was to be evicted from his driftwood home, around came three o'clock but there was no council.

At around 5pm yesterday evening Mr Brewer was told the good news by family and friends. "You're staying here" told Eric Brewers daughter, and that was just the start to the 'party'.

Mr Brewer's daughter, Tania traveled to New Plymouth from Wellington just in support of her father.

Tania told the Taranaki Daily News "It's been quite stressful, I've been quite worried about what was going to happen to Dad and how he was going to take things when it happened, but, as we all know, nothing's happened."

Mr Brewer's nephew, Jimo Rangi, said the council backdown was a huge relief for the family.

He delivered a petition to Deputy Mayor Alex Matheson yesterday with 737 signatures asking that Mr Brewer be allowed to remain.

He said he was overwhelmed by the support for his uncle and the effect it had.

"It shows the people do have a voice," he said.

However a infonews.co.nz report has shown that much of the public feel this council is not letting people have a say.

What do you think about the New Plymouth District Council? Have a say in the comments box below.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Rosella told infonews.co.nz "I am happy with Mr Brewer's story, it is great but not one bit do I think what happened was alright. The only reason the council backed down was obviously because media was coming in and they were getting negative attention."

Although she did add "That petition was a great idea, that would have given the council something to think about"

Jack R told infonews that this has changed his views on New Plymouth "I didn't think New Plymouths council would step this low. This has changed my outlook dramatically on New Plymouth and let me add, it isn't getting any better aswell"

What do you think about the New Plymouth District Council? Have a say in the comments box below.

New Plymouth's District Council says they are backing down from the eviction but for how long?

The council acquired the coastal land at Tapuae in 2008 and Mr Brewer's permanent occupation of it is unlawful under council bylaw.

Mr Rangi said he did not understand why the bylaw had only been put into effect now.

"If this was an issue back in 2008 when it was passed, why wasn't it dealt with then?"

But for now the council have let go of the saga, remember infonews.co.nz is following this story in full detail and if anything develops we will report it to you.

What do you think about the New Plymouth District Council? Have a say in the comments box below.

Over this council saga infonews.co.nz have created numerous articles...
 

Massive outrage over New Plymouth District Council saga: Saturday 23 March 2013 (first report)

'We never get a say' - New Plymouth Council saga: Tuesday 26 March 2013 (full report)

New Plymouth Council listens but for how long?: Wednesday 27 March 2013 (breaking news update)

New Plymouth Council takes a shock turn around: Thursday 28th March 2013 (full report)