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Council's response to recent TVNZ claims

Thursday 17 February 2011, 6:39AM

By Hutt City Council

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UPPER HUTT

Hutt City Council has become the focus of a TVNZ Close Up story in which it is being accused of stonewalling inquires into a civil dispute between neighbours.

Stokes Valley neighbours quarrelling over building and resource consent issues have generated this media interest.

Council Chief Executive, Tony Stallinger, says Council officers are investigating complaints from both Mr Viv Haar and Mr Jonathan Moss who are at the centre of the dispute.

“From our investigations to date this appears to be a civil dispute between neighbours. We have had complaints from both sides regarding consent breaches and until our investigations are complete we cannot comment on the specifics of the matter.

“This is the reason why the Mayor and I have declined the invitation to appear on Close Up,” he says.

Council considers it has treated both parties in this dispute fairly and has been dealing with issues of building and resource consent compliance when they arise.

“Our advice to anyone likely to be involved in a legal stoush is to limit their public comment on the matter and this is the action we have taken.”

Hutt City Council will be making no further public comment on this matter.