Tag Archives: Council staff

by Elizabeth | June 19, 2016 · 9:14 pm

Thoughts on ODT Insight : Chris Morris investigates Asbestos plague

Dob in an asbestos dumper [illawarramercury.com.au]

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B E L A T E D L Y
Cowboy New Zealand Governments wake up after YEARS of Devastating Sleep.

New Zealand’s asbestos death toll will climb to about 5100, excluding deaths from asbestosis, which were difficult to determine, a WorkSafe spokesman said. It was expected the peak of asbestos-related disease would not be reached until sometime between 2030 and 2040, the spokesman said. (ODT)

Is the Dunedin City Council opening its eyes quickly enough even with the Amalgamated Workers’ Union (AWUNZ) on its tail ? Good council workmen dead and memorialised in photographs, frightening….

“They worked regularly with the city’s asbestos water pipes – cutting and grinding, kicking up asbestos dust and sweeping up the mess later.” (ODT)

Weathered asbestos cement pipe [cep.bessens.free.fr] and asbestos insulation wrap [Asbestorama via flickr.com]

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█ HOW MANY Dunedin City Council (DCC) staff, work crews, contractors and subcontractors have been required to work with asbestos product and exposure to fibres over the years —without comprehensive safety training and correctly specified respirators and safety clothing for individual protection ?
The answer is likely to be unlimited numbers.
Has anything changed at DCC ?
Have all asbestos contaminated DCC-owned sites and work areas been identified to date ?
Are formal protocols and a register in place for personnel who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos and require admittance to a testing regime ?

Proper warning [shutterstock.com]

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ODT Insight: Asbestos: The Silent Killer

### ODT Online Sat, 18 Jun 2016
Asbestos toll will grow
By Chris Morris
The death toll from asbestos-related disease in New Zealand will continue to climb for decades to come, despite a ban on imports of building materials containing the toxic mineral. Environment Minister Nick Smith on Wednesday announced New Zealand would join more than 50 other countries in banning the importation of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), beginning on October 1, unless exemptions were granted. The move was designed to further reduce the “appalling” death toll caused by asbestos, used in building products for more half a century. It now claimed an estimated 170 lives a year, he said.
Read more

[DCC tragedy] ODT: Suspicions of cancer cluster
Former Dunedin City Council water maintenance staff based at the Midlands St yard say the risks of asbestos were not understood and early precautions inadequate […] a solemn memorial to 14 men taken too soon – photographs of the dead, showing men lost to lung, bowel or prostate cancer, pinned to a noticeboard in the Dunedin City Council’s former Midland St workers’ yard.

● ODT: Asbestos: ‘We were totally ignorant’ of risk’ (+ video)
● ODT: Asbestos claimed him (+ video)

DCC DRAFT Annual Plan 2016/17 —Harden up, Council

Dunedin City Council (creak, groan), still holds to notions of silly spend-ups —on Minor yet Very Costly items of…. faint if any benefit to the widest scope of Dunedin ratepayers and residents. It’s ELECTION YEAR. Overtly muddled thinking given to ‘pet projects’ and ‘bribes’ (vote chasing) is sorry Self-aggrandising Rubbish on the part of the local body politicians we’re stuck with until this October.

Some people can make a success of themselves living in Dunedin, some in the innovation sector are uniquely placed with developing capacity to export out; but these shining lights and bushells are frequently seen against a Dumb, overly Bureaucratic, In-fighting city council located within a generally stale and stalled non-productive urban economy. Dunedin is achieving only about half the growth of the rest of New Zealand.

This week, Councillors are deliberating to ‘stiff’ ratepayers and residents with the promoted…. steeply unattractive rates increase (supposedly) capped at 3%.

But shifting sands again at Council (what it’s only good for, in a bad way!) —the most inexperienced/unproductive/unbusinesslike gormless Councillors of green persuasion, together with the mayoral candidates and their aspiring pearl- or scarf-wearing deputies are in the Ugly mood to consider yet more unprincipled spending to take us beyond the 3% cap, if MSM news reporting of tendency is acurate (I’m sure it is).

Council staff are not emerging cleanly from this leaky-budget process either —since elected representatives tend to piggyback if they can, staff-driven shiny pet projects even when within very close sniffing distance of the highly questionable event of systemic DCC failure with core infrastructure services, monstrously demonstrated in June 2015.

The lack of brain power to analyse and offer principled leadership of the City of Dunedin is daily astounding. Not something practically-minded, fiscally prudent citizens should tolerate or support any longer.

If Shadbolt wants to come here as Mayor, by all means Jump In.

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2.9% rates increase council consulted on now pushing to 3.5% – breaching council’s self-imposed limit of 3% – unless cuts made.

MacTavish sees rates increase at slightly higher than 3%, as squeezing staff resources becomes “detrimental” to the community.

### ODT Online Wed, 11 May 2016
Rates limit agreed – for now
By Vaughan Elder and Timothy Brown
A rates increase of more than 3% remains a possibility, despite Dunedin City councillors agreeing to stick within the council’s self-imposed limit. Councillors were faced with difficult decisions at yesterday’s annual plan deliberations after agreeing to pay for almost $700,000 worth of extra costs in the 2016-17 annual plan.
Read more

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Spending $10million on stormwater infrastructure in the next year would not be possible.

“If you were talking about $10million phased in over the next five years, then that’s a much more reasonable proposition.” –WWS group manager

### ODT Online Wed, 11 May 2016
Upgrades would have to be phased in
By Vaughan Elder
Spending millions upgrading Dunedin’s stormwater infrastructure to better withstand floods would not be possible in the next year and increases would have to be ramped up over time, councillors were told. Council water and waste group manager Laura McElhone made the comment when asked by Cr Kate Wilson whether it would be possible, as an example, for her staff to manage spending an extra $10million in the next year.
Read more

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Other ODT stories:

User-pays scheme for carbon
Increased landfill costs arising from the Emissions Trading Scheme will be passed on to users contributing to carbon emissions.

Asbestos likely to be cost in future
Asbestos may impact the financial health of the Dunedin City Council’s coffers in years to come but the extent of the cost remains unknown, councillors heard at yesterday’s annual plan deliberations.

Link to harbour supported
Installing a ground-level crossing linking Dunedin’s central city with the harbourside is to be investigated by the Dunedin City Council.

Octagon solution allows relief for other areas
A succesful solution to toilet woes in Dunedin’s Octagon has freed up funds for toilets elsewhere in the city.

George St work delayed
Dunedin City councillors agreed to delay a multimillion-dollar central city improvement programme by a year, giving staff more time to get it right.

Councillors support gas works site plan
The Dunedin City Council is investigating buying three sites in South Dunedin to allow for the future expansion of the Dunedin Gasworks Museum and the possible development of a community hub.

█ Lastly. The item somewhere off the public radar this budget round:
Will Council stop the MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR SUBSIDY to Dunedin Venues ?

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█ For more enter the term *flood* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

41 Comments

Filed under Business, DCC, DCHL, DCTL, Delta, Democracy, District Plan, Dunedin, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, Finance, Heritage, Housing, Infrastructure, Media, Museums, New Zealand, OAG, People, Pet projects, Politics, Pools, Project management, Property, Proposed 2GP, Public interest, Resource management, South Dunedin, Sport, Stadiums, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, Urban design, What stadium

Tagged as Accountability, Annual Plan, Budget, Core council business, Council staff, Councillors, DCC, DCC Draft Annual Plan 2016/17, Dunedin City Council, Election year, Fiscal prudence, Infrastructure services, Openness, Pet projects, Priorities, Transparency, Vote chasing

by Elizabeth | October 24, 2015 · 6:29 pm

DCC cycle lanes, the real reason……. foul-ups @DUD

Received from Brian Miller
Sat, 24 Oct 2015 at 5:40 p.m.

The real reason why DCC wants cyclists to have their own cycling lane.

So this is why those people in funny clothes wander all over our roads!
—I knew there was a reason why I took up biking.

THE RETIREMENT BICYCLE
Image: Supplied

My doctor says to drink lots while exercising!
And I always follow the doctor’s advice.

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█ For more on Dunedin’s inordinately expensive Strategic Cycle Network, enter the term *cycle* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

15 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Dunedin, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, Hot air, Inspiration, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, OAG, Ombudsman, People, Pics, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, Urban design, What stadium

Tagged as Budgets, Chief executive Sue Bidrose, Consulting, Contracts, Council staff, Cr Jinty MacTavish, Cr Kate Wilson, Cycle network, Cycleways, Cycling, Dave Cull, DCC, DCC Transportation Planning, Design, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin Strategic Cycle Network, GROSS ERRORS, Hydration, Lack of accountability, Lack of transparency, Mayor Cull, Project management, Ratepayers and Residents, REAL bikes, Retirement bicycle, Sackings, South Dunedin, Urban Design Team

by Elizabeth | August 22, 2015 · 2:49 pm

DCC cycleway$ now tied to more ‘urban de$ign’ $pend, after reha$h numero…..

Image: examiner.com

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Dunedin City Council – Media Release
South Dunedin Cycle Network Changes Start Soon

This item was published on 21 Aug 2015

Alterations to some parts of the South Dunedin Cycle Network will start shortly as the Dunedin City Council works to deliver safe, high quality and attractive cycleways in the city. General Manager Infrastructure and Networks Ruth Stokes says the DCC has listened to public feedback about existing South Dunedin cycleways and in response changes are being made to some intersections.

“We’ve accepted we didn’t get these designs right first time, but we have taken on board what the community has told us and we are making changes. As always, the priority will be safety, not just for cyclists, but for pedestrians and motorists too. There will also be a new urban design element to the construction that will enhance every street which has a cycleway.”

The first step is to remove sections of the existing South Dunedin Cycle Network (SDCN) that have given rise to public concern regarding vehicle access. As each section is due to be altered, residents and businesses in and near the affected streets will receive notification from the DCC and its contractor, Downer. The work is scheduled to begin later this month.

This remedial work incorporates the following:
● At the Hargest Crescent/Richardson Street and Richardson Street/Moreau Street intersections the ‘floating’ traffic islands will be removed to improve traffic flow (kerb protrusions will remain).
● The Marlow Street/Royal Crescent intersection will have two way traffic flow reinstated in response to residents’ requests. Two way traffic flow will also be reinstated at the Prince Albert Road/New Street and Churchill Street/Bellona Street intersections.
● Coughtrey Street and Richardson Street – ‘ghost’ road markings will be removed and new road markings laid.
● Signs and road markings will be installed across all the existing SDCN to improve intuitive way-finding for cyclists.

Over the next few months the design of these SDCN sections will be reviewed and improved with a focus on safety and ease of use for all road users. Residents will be asked for feedback before the designs are confirmed.

Designs to improve the Portobello Road cycleway between Timaru Street and Portsmouth Drive have been prepared in consultation with the community, aiming for a highly practical road and cycleway layout, improved road markings and signs, complemented by a vastly improved general environment providing a family-friendly atmosphere. The design will take residents’ and business access needs into account. The Princes Street cycleway past the Oval, on to Gordon Street and Vogel Street, is planned for completion in October 2015. This will include signs and markings on Princes Street and changing give way priorities to Vogel Street at two intersections. Ongoing Tedder Street construction is due to be finished by the end of 2015, using speed bumps to slow traffic.

Mrs Stokes says the vision for Dunedin’s first urban cycleway is to have high quality, attractive routes which cater for people travelling to work and school by bike, and leisure cyclists, while reducing accident rates for all road users.

Contact General Manager Infrastructure and Networks, Dunedin City Council on 477 4000. DCC Link

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█ ODT: Traffic islands to go soon
The scrapping of some of South Dunedin’s most unpopular cycleway traffic islands could begin as soon as next week as the Dunedin City Council responds to public feedback on the bungled network.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/353295/traffic-islands-go-soon

● WTF Ruthie-babe ???
“There would also be “a new urban design element” to new construction on the network, she said. That could include different types of paving, seating on appropriate corners, and planting in the separation areas.” (via ODT)

Image: Fairfax Media (via Cycling in Christchurch)

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

109 Comments

Filed under Architecture, Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Economics, Geography, Hot air, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

Tagged as Budgets, Consulting, Contracts, Council staff, Cycle network, Cycleways, Cycling, DCC, DCC Transportation Planning, DCC Urban Design Team, Design, DISMISSALS, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, GROSS ERRORS, Lack of accountability, Lack of transparency, Project management, Ratepayers and Residents, RATES MONEY FOR JAM, Ruth Stokes, Ruthie-babe, Sackings, South Dunedin, STOOPID bureaucrats, Urban Design Team

by Elizabeth | August 10, 2015 · 1:19 pm

DCC AMAZE —oh, more fraud

DCC CULTURE OF ENTITLEMENT
‘Enormously disappointing’ —And Enormously Expected.
‘ONE MAN’ did it. An outright fairytale.
DOLLY didn’t, either. More to come !!

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### ODT Online Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Further cases of fraud at council
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council says the discovery of five more examples of fraud and theft inside the organisation is “enormously” disappointing. […] Details of the smaller incidents emerged last week, in response to Otago Daily Times questions, a year after the discovery of the Citifleet fraud.
Read more

█ ODT blocks public comments to this item.

ODT 10.8.15 [Source: DCC]

[screenshot]

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█ For more, enter the terms *deloitte*, *citifleet*, *fraud*, *conduct*, *vandervis*, *delta*, *orfu* in the search box at right.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

17 Comments

Filed under Business, Carisbrook, Citifleet, Construction, CST, Cycle network, DCC, DCHL, DCTL, Delta, Democracy, DVL, DVML, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, LGNZ, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZRU, NZTA, OAG, OCA, Ombudsman, ORFU, People, Police, Politics, Pools, Project management, Property, SFO, Site, Sport, Stadiums, Town planning, Transportation, Urban design

Tagged as Audit and Risk Subcommittee, Audit New Zealand, Backhanders, Carisbrook Stadium Charitable Trust, Cars, Cemeteries, Chief executive Sue Bidrose, Citifleet, Citipark, Code of Conduct, Conduct Hearing, Council staff, Councillors, Cr Lee Vandervis, CST, DCC, DCC Committee Structure and Delegations Manual, DCC Corporate Services, DCC GM Corporate Services, DCC legal advice, Deloitte, Deloitte report, Deloitte reports, Delta, Disclosure, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin Town Hall Redevelopment Project, Electronic copy, Fleet service, fubar stadium, Gigatown, Information sharing, Investigation, Jim Harland, LGOIMA requests, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, Mayor Cull, Mayor of Dunedin, Mosgiel Pool, Natural justice, New Zealand Police, Noble Village Subdivision, Office of the Ombudsmen, Official information, Ombudsman, ORFU, Otago Cricket Association, Otago Daily Times, Otago Rugby Football Union, Otago Stadium, Paul Orders, Police, Policy, Pooling Together, Privacy, Procurement policy, Sensitive Expenditure Policy and Procedures, SFO, Stadium review, Stadiums, Standing orders, Stonewalling, Taieri Community Facilities Trust, TCFT, Tendering, Vehicle fleet, What is OPEN government?

by Elizabeth | July 18, 2015 · 5:04 pm

DCC Cycleways: SEEING RED, apology NOT accepted

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Laundry at ODT today:

Costly cycleway mistakes
Parts of South Dunedin’s cycle network will be ripped out and replaced, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, because of council mistakes.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/349513/costly-cycleway-mistakes

Vow to make good bungled cycleways
Council staff and management bungled the roll-out of South Dunedin’s cycle network, letting down the mayor, the councillors, and the city in the process.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/349453/vow-make-good-bungled-cycleways

Measures satisfy
How affected parties responded to the Dunedin City Council’s acceptance of responsibility for the SDCN faults, and its commitment to put things right.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/349472/measures-satisfy

Otago Daily Times Published on Jul 17, 2015
South Dunedin by bike

Behind the handlebars: South Dunedin by bike
What’s it like exploring the South Dunedin Cycle Network for the first time? Reporter Carla Green – a newcomer to the city – grabbed a map and hopped on her bike last week to find out.
http://www.odt.co.nz/video/news/dunedin/349443/carlas-cycleway-story

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[screenshot as at 18.7.15 —click to enlarge]

●●● http://www.averyassociates.nz/

█ For more on Dunedin’s inordinately expensive Strategic Cycle Network, enter the term *cycle* in the search box at right. Or WTH, search *citifleet*.

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

41 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Design, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, OAG, Ombudsman, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Stadiums, Tourism, Town planning, Transportation, Urban design, What stadium

by Elizabeth | July 3, 2015 · 10:25 pm

SFO fails to clean up Far North District Council

Council members and employees apparently failed to comply with internal systems and controls.

### ODT Online Thu, 2 Jul 2015
SFO rules out crime at council
By Imran Ali – Northern Advocate
A year-long Serious Fraud Office inquiry into the Far North District Council found some councillors and staff failed to follow rules governing the approval of projects and use of ratepayers’ money, but insufficient evidence to lay criminal charges against anyone. But exactly what the SFO was looking into and who was at fault may never be known, with the office and mayor John Carter unable to discuss the matter further due to restrictions under the SFO Act. NZME
Read more

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

1 Comment

Filed under Business, Economics, Geography, Media, Name, New Zealand, OAG, People, Politics, Project management, SFO

Tagged as Conflicts of interest, Council staff, Councillors, Criminality, Crooked, Far North District Council, John Carter, Lack of accountability, Lack of transparency, Mayors, New Zealand, Pet projects, Ratepayers and Residents, SFO

by Elizabeth | March 20, 2015 · 1:43 am

DCC Shame: First, John Wilson Dr nonsense, now Portobello Rd cycleway

The agreement meant Portobello Rd, between Andersons Bay Rd and Portsmouth Dr, would remain a two-lane road, after the council last year reduced it from four lanes to accommodate a new cycleway.

### ODT Online Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Cycleway compromise earns praise
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council has earned praise from a group of businesses after compromising to resolve a cycleway dispute in Portobello Rd. But the council has also been urged to learn lessons after initial changes introduced on the road prompted an outcry in the area. The deal was confirmed yesterday after a closed-door meeting between councillors, council staff, business representatives and cycling advocates, chaired by the Automobile Association Otago district councillor Norman Oakley.
Read more

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Comment at ODT Online:

Money wasting madness from DCC
Submitted by photonz on Thu, 19/03/2015 – 1:09pm.

$320,000 spent already for 700m of cycleway, that was already sealed, is madness. And now it has to be redone.
Just like the cycle crossing on Victoria Road that was rebuilt three or four times at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars, yet despite passing over it multiple times a day, including rush hour, I’ve seen it used by bicycles just once in nearly a year.
Similar money wastage is now happening with total redesigns of intersection kerbing around St Kilda, at the cost of many thousands of dollars, including intersections which are some of quietest and least used in all of Dunedin.
Yet not a dollar for the very busy intersection at Allendale/Forbury/Bay View Roads, where opposing right turning traffic on Forbury Road, is channelled into a head-on collision.
Heads should roll at the DCC – this is madness. It’s a waste of our money to spend hundreds of thousands on barely used or needed pet projects, often redoing them several times, while not spending a cent on dangerous intersections.

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The letter from Cr Vandervis was delayed for publication supposedly due to slow reply: [Psalms 118.1….]

ODT 19.3.15 (page 16)

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### dunedintv.co.nz March 18, 2015 – 5:54pm
Opposing parties reach agreement over Portobello Road development
Parties at loggerheads over plans to develop the southern part of Portobello Road have reached an agreement. The Dunedin City Council and Automobile Association has met with cycling advocacy group Spokes and business owners about changes to the road. Representatives have come up with a mutually agreeable plan to widen the section of road between Timaru Street and Portsmouth Drive. It will provide room for large trucks to safely enter and exit industrial sites along the road. And there will be a 3m cycleway separated from traffic, allowing cyclists to travel in both directions along the road. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Ch39 Link [no video available]

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Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Positive Meeting on Portobello Road Plans

This item was published on 17 Mar 2015

A revised concept plan for the southernmost section of Portobello Road has been welcomed by key parties.
A meeting was held this morning between some Dunedin City Councillors, DCC staff and representatives from the Automobile Association (AA), cycling advocacy group Spokes Dunedin, local businesses and leaseholders. Those at the meeting, which was chaired by AA Otago District Councillor Norman Oakley, strongly supported the revised concept plan for the section of Portobello Road between Timaru Street and Portsmouth Drive. The proposed plan addresses concerns with the existing layout, by providing room for large trucks to safely enter and exit industrial sites along the road.
The revised concept plan increases the total road width to 10.1m, made up of a northbound and a southbound lane, with a 2.5m painted median strip between the lanes (such as in Hillside Road). A 3m wide, two way cycleway, separated from traffic, is still part of the plan. This concept means removing the current concrete median to make more room for the new lanes and the median strip. The intersections at either end of the road remain the same.
DCC Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Kate Wilson says, “I congratulate all the groups involved for working collaboratively to reach such a positive result. Once the revised plans have been finalised, we will be asking other interested parties and the wider community for feedback.” Cr Wilson noted the revised concept plan did not propose major changes for residents on that stretch of road, who can still access their properties as they do now.
AA Otago District Councillor Hudson Biggs says the revised plan is a workable solution for all parties. “There has been a lot of work in the background to get to this point and what has been presented recognises the fact there needs to be cycle access from South Dunedin along Portobello Road, while still meeting the needs of other road users.” Spokes Dunedin Chair Robert Thompson also supported the revised layout. “It strikes the right balance between all road users, providing a high standard cycleway and improved vehicle access within a more intuitive road layout.”

CSL Containers Director Philip Chapman says the new plan addresses his concerns very well. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

DCC Group Manager Transportation Gene Ollerenshaw says the proposed design will now be finalised and released within the next two to three weeks for wider feedback from the community. Further consultation will include a mail drop to nearby residents, discussions with other parties such as Bayfield High School and signs to alert motorists who use that route. Following that feedback, the design will be finalised and construction completed as soon as possible before the end of the year.

[click to enlarge]

█ Download: Portobello Rd cross section information (PDF, 96 KB)

Contact Infrastructure Services Committee Chair on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link

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Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Further consultation on Portobello Road Changes

This item was published on 28 Nov 2014

The Dunedin City Council will work further with key parties to finalise a design for the southernmost section of Portobello Road.
DCC Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Kate Wilson says the decision was made following a constructive meeting on Wednesday attended by Councillors, DCC staff and representatives from the Automobile Association (AA), cycling advocacy group Spokes, local businesses and leaseholders.
The meeting, which was chaired by the AA, discussed the recent changes to the section of Portobello Road between Andersons Bay Road and Portsmouth Drive. Discussions began with some context setting. The use of that part of Portobello Road has changed greatly, as has the land ownership in the area. Rather than being a high volume commuter route, it is now a relatively low volume road used by heavy transport, with industrial land on one side and residential on the other.
The road has been altered to accommodate one of the key cycleways in the new South Dunedin Cycle Network. The first stage of work was completed in May. The concept was not fully implemented then because of funding constraints, but the intention was to do further work if it was required as funds became available.
Cr Wilson says a preliminary layout for the second stage was developed in consultation with AA, Spokes and residents and businesses in the area. “However, further feedback from businesses, leaseholders and the public, conclusions we have drawn ourselves, issues around the look and feel of the road, access to the industrial properties and safety concerns at the Timaru Street end mean some further consideration of options is needed.” “We take seriously the concerns raised and following this week’s meeting we will seek further inputs from the affected businesses and leaseholders so we incorporate their concerns and needs into the options.”
DCC Group Manager Transportation Gene Ollerenshaw says in the meantime some interim improvements would be investigated with urgency, such as signage and road marking, particularly at the Timaru Street end. The DCC is still aiming to complete the project in the 2014/15 year.

Contact Group Manager Transportation on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

Lee Vandervis releases emails #Citifleet investigation

Updated post Wed, 18 Mar 2015 at 4:53 p.m.

Site Admin
What if? Dunedin has received a total of 17 emails from Lee Vandervis, including two with email attachments. A further three emails have been withheld from publication due to privacy reasons, and which may be actionable.

The first batch of seven emails feature at this post, with the remaining ten emails (some repeats to different recipients as Mr Vandervis follows up with Kyle Cameron of Deloitte, responsible for the Citifleet investigation) to be added at Comments after being photographed and stitched back together to retain threads.

To be noted, this is part document proof of Cr Vandervis’ efforts from 2011 forward to elicit information on suspicion of fraud occurring at Citifleet. The emails show DCC Senior Management were aware of fraud allegations well prior to 2013/14, despite Council’s formal media statements to the contrary last year. They also support the obvious need that existed for a wider fraud investigation in regards to Council tendering processes, service contracts, traffic of car parts and tyres, staff credit card spending (by multiple available cards) and more – quite apart from disposal of at least 152 Council vehicles in the period 2003-2013, the set arbitrary window for investigation by Deloitte.

The DCC chief executive having taken a fraud complaint to Dunedin police was advised police had insufficient resources for follow up. There was then a three-month gap before police received the Deloitte investigation report commissioned by the Council. Three months is long amount of time to minimise and remove critical evidence within Council and about town. Dunedin City Council knows that. Deloitte knows that. Dunedin police know that. We can assume the Council’s insurers know that, yet they paid out $1 million in two instalments, for the ‘lost’ vehicles only [see DCC media release]. The three-month gap in itself is a suspicious if not criminal activity against Dunedin ratepayers and residents.

For more information at this website, enter the term *citifleet* in the search box at right.

Received from Lee Vandervis
Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:19 a.m.

█ Message: I have had enquiries today from members of the public regarding my initial 2011 investigation of Citifleet complaints. For the public record, I am forwarding the related emails I have on record from that period, some of which you may find interesting enough to publish.

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Batch #1 (six emails distinguished by blue subject lines and flags)

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Attachment 1

Attachment 2

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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

4 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Events, Media, Name, New Zealand, OAG, People, Police, Politics, Project management, Property, SFO

Tagged as Audit and Risk Subcommittee, Citifleet, Council staff, Councillors, Cr Lee Vandervis, DCC, DCC Corporate Services, DCC legal advice, Deloitte, Deloitte report, Disclosure, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Electronic copy, Emails, Information sharing, Investigation, LGOIMA requests, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, New Zealand Police, Office of the Ombudsmen, Official information, Ombudsman, Otago Stadium, Police, Privacy, SFO, Stadium review, Stadiums, Stonewalling, What is OPEN government?, Whistleblowers, Whistleblowing

by Elizabeth | March 17, 2015 · 3:45 pm

DCC whistleblowing —what is open government ?

### ODT Online Tue, 17 Mar 2015
Council sets up whistleblower committee
By Eileen Goodwin
An internal audit policy adopted by the Dunedin City Council shifts responsibility to governance level, an “important change”, councillor Richard Thomson told a council meeting yesterday. […] Cr Lee Vandervis asked how easy it would be for the general public to tip off the council’s whistleblower, given he was “beginning to tire of the role, given recent events”.
Read more

█ Comments not allowed at ODT Online.

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It is completely ludicrous that our little Cr Thomson is today making public comment on DCC’s new Whistleblower Policy – given Cr Thomson as chair of DCC Finance Committee has had every opportunity to treat his colleague, Cr Vandervis, the Council’s most notoriously effective Whistleblower, with all fairness and due respect but has actively failed on that count, time and time again.

What is it with Cr Thomson, our import from Southern District Health Board and former Otago District Health Board. Doesn’t the Councillor see it as his mission to relieve Dunedin Ratepayers from the living hell of the nearly unsurpassable multimillion-dollar mountain of corruption and fraudulent activity perpetuated at the Council and through its CCOs. Whitewash is not removal, Councillor.

A quietly spoken SDHB informant tells me Susie Johnstone, a chartered accountant, was wheeled in by the Health Board after the Swann fraud, for mop up. Well, Detectives, who wheeled her in and what was the nature of the mop up?

Separately, following Cr Thomson’s uptake into local body politics, Ms Johnstone was recommended for the position of independent chair of the DCC Audit and Risk Subcommittee.

The ARS committee is now to deal with Whistleblowing (no surprises there). As we have already published in previous months, via intimations of the Draft Whistleblower Policy: the DCC contact for Whistleblowers has been a Balclutha woman, whether actively.

Connections regularly multiply. The timing of Council’s announcement of its new Whistleblower Policy is sheer craziness in light of yesterday’s illegitimate farce of a conduct hearing, held at the expense of the DCC Chief Whistleblower. A woman from Balclutha was a witness at the hearing….

Rule of Thumb for DCC Whistleblowers: use outside means.

Good to see Eileen Goodwin reporting on Council business.

—

### ODT Online Tue, 17 Mar 2015
Vandervis accused of ‘bullying’ behaviour
By Vaughan Elder
Dunedin City councillor Lee Vandervis’ aggression towards colleagues was slammed as unacceptable at a code of conduct hearing yesterday. The committee heard evidence relating to three complaints, two of which related to him behaving in an “aggressive” manner. […] The panel’s independent chairman, Prof Stuart Anderson, of the University of Otago’s faculty of law, noted the committee needed to look at Cr Vandervis’ intent and not whether he was correct.
Read more

█ Comments allowed at ODT Online.
How many comments will be lost and deleted?

****

### ODT Online Tue, 17 Mar 2015
Councillor apologises for ‘loudness’
By Vaughan Elder
[…] In an effort to not upset people, [Cr Lee Vandervis] would no longer go to the audit and risk subcommittee – where he was accused of being aggressive towards the independent chairwoman – and make his complaints to chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose by email rather than in person. These two steps would “more” importantly stop him from being the subject of further “political back-stabbing”, he said.
Read more

█ Comments not allowed at ODT Online.

—

● For more, enter the terms *vandervis* and *citifleet* in the search box at right.

—

Documents:
Dunedin City Council – Standing Orders (PDF, 1019.0 KB)
The Standing Orders set out rules for the conduct meetings of the Dunedin City Council and includes the Code of Conduct for Elected Members, as adopted at the inaugural Council meeting Oct 2010.

DCC Committee Structures and Delegations Manual (PDF, 328.7 KB)
This document details the constitution of the Council, Committees and Subcommittees, and the delegations to the Chief Executive.

Deloitte Report – redacted copy (PDF, 3.8 MB)
Project Lewis – Investigation Report

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

20 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Police, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, What stadium

Tagged as Audit and Risk Subcommittee, Citifleet, Council staff, Councillors, Cr Lee Vandervis, DCC, DCC Corporate Services, DCC legal advice, Deloitte, Deloitte report, Disclosure, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Electronic copy, Information sharing, Investigation, LGOIMA requests, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, New Zealand Police, Office of the Ombudsmen, Official information, Ombudsman, Otago Stadium, Police, Privacy, SFO, Stadium review, Stadiums, Stonewalling, What is OPEN government?, Whistleblowers, Whistleblowing

by Elizabeth | March 13, 2015 · 11:53 am

Cr Lee Vandervis: LGOIMA request – Citifleet Investigation – Deloitte Report

Received from Lee Vandervis
Fri, 13 Mar 2015 at 9:32 a.m.

█ Message: Your readers may be interested in an example of how extraordinarily difficult it often is for Councillors to get information from staff – especially if that information is about staff.
An important example is highlighted in the following email trail – important because as the original Citifleet whistleblower in 2011, I am still getting flack and having information withheld that could help to get to the bottom of DCC frauds.

—— Forwarded Message
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2015 21:25:53 +1300
To: Grace Ockwell [DCC]
Conversation: LGOIMA request – Citifleet Investigation – Deloitte Report
Subject: Re: LGOIMA request – Citifleet Investigation – Deloitte Report

Hi Grace,

Thank you for this sudden response after more than 3 months of nothing.

Further follow up LGOIMA requests are as follows;
Why has this multiple LGOIMA request not been acknowledged or decided upon within the required 21 working days?
When you say that this is “our response” who exactly has been responsible for the decisions in the response?
Are you aware that the last time I went to the ombudsman to hurry up an information request, it took several attempts and 11 months to get an answer?

Looking forward to a response by return.

Cr. Vandervis

——————————

On 11/03/15 4:03 PM, “Grace Ockwell” [DCC] wrote:

Good afternoon Lee,

Thank you for your email of 20 November 2014 and your follow-up email requesting information about the Deloitte Report on Citifleet. Your request has now been forwarded to me to process. It has been considered under the provisions of LGOIMA and the following response is provided. I have repeated your request (or parts thereof) to give context to our response.

a full copy of the original Deloitte Report on Citifleet [including all appendices] as referred to below.

The Police have yet to conclude their investigation of this matter and therefore a copy of the full Deloitte report is still withheld pursuant to section 6(a) of LGOIMA to avoid prejudicing the maintenance of the law and the detection of offences. It is also withheld pursuant to section 7(2)(a) of LGOIMA to protect the privacy of individuals.

As part of the full report from Deloittes I also wish to have, again on grey paper if necessary, the separate Deloitte investigation report and recommendations to CEO Bidrose regarding investigations into the activities of ‘certain DCC employees’. [2.10(b)]

The information provided to the CEO in relation to staff is withheld pursuant to section 7(2)(a) of LGOIMA to protect the privacy of individuals and pursuant to section 7(2)(c) as the information provided is subject to an obligation of confidence.

In addition I wish to see the Deloitte file ‘to support a complaint to the Serious Fraud Office/Police’, and any Citifleet related advice to Council’s legal advisors.

All correspondence between the Council and our legal advisors (including correspondence between Deloitte and our legal advisors on the Citifleet matter) is withheld pursuant to s 7(2)(g) of LGOIMA to protect legal professional privilege. Additionally, some but not all of the material is also withheld pursuant to section 6(a) of LGOIMA to avoid prejudicing the maintenance of the law and the detection of offences.

Finally I wish to have sent to me the electronic copy preserved by Deloitte of information that DCC controls as referred to in 2.10(a) and any associated analysis results.

The Police have not yet concluded their investigation of this matter and therefore the preserved electronic copy of information held by Deloitte which the Council controls is withheld pursuant to section 6(a) of LGOIMA to avoid prejudicing the maintenance of the law and the detection of offences. It is also withheld pursuant to section 7(2)(a) of LGOIMA to protect the privacy of individuals.

As you are aware, as we have withheld information, you have the right pursuant to section 27(3) of LGOIMA to have our decision to withhold information reviewed by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Yours sincerely

Grace Ockwell
Governance Support Officer
Dunedin City Council

——————————

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2015 09:37:03 +1300
To: Sandy Graham [DCC], Sue Bidrose [DCC]
Conversation: Further LGOIMA requests
Subject: Re: Further LGOIMA requests

Dear Sandy and Sue,

Can you please update me by return on where these LGOIMA requests have progressed to?

Regards,
Cr. Vandervis

——————————

On 24/12/14 10:13 AM, “Lee Vandervis” wrote:

Dear Sandy,

Again I request a full copy of the original Deloitte Report on Citifleet [including all appendices] as referred to below.

I can accept that the full report may have to be provided on grey paper.
As part of the full report from Deloittes I also wish to have, again on grey paper if necessary, the separate Deloitte investigation report and recommendations to CEO Bidrose regarding investigations into the activities of ‘certain DCC employees’. [2.10(b)]
In addition I wish to see the Deloitte file ‘to support a complaint to the Serious Fraud Office/Police’, and any Citifleet related advice to Council’s legal advisors.
Finally I wish to have sent to me the electronic copy preserved by Deloittes of information that DCC controls as referred to in 2.10(a) and any associated analysis results.

Ratepayers have paid quarter of a million dollars for the production of this information and I wish to see all of it as a public representative in the public interest.

It is not acceptable to me to have only been provided with the public redacted report along with the public at such a late pre-Christmas stage.

Regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

——————————

On 13/10/14 10:32 PM, “Lee Vandervis” wrote:

Dear Sandy,

You have not answered the question as to why one elected representative [the Mayor] seeing the entire Deloitte report [and parts of the report appearing in Audit and Risk Subcommittee agendas] is not likely to “prejudice the maintenance of the law including the investigation and detection of offences.” but that this is still an excuse for not showing the entire report to other elected representatives like myself. Especially given the number of comments the Mayor and CEO have been making to the media regarding the subject of the Deloitte Report.

Your claim that the Stadium review is not yet completed and is still in draft form directly contradicts the advice of the quoted Audit and Risk agenda of 7/10/14 which plainly says that the Stadium “external review has been completed”. If the former, since it can’t be both, why can’t I see it anyway? And why have we then been misled in the A&R agenda?

Being “of course entitled to have that decision reviewed by the Office of the Ombudsmen.” is a farcical affront, given the last response from this dysfunctional excuse for a government department took ELEVEN MONTHS to reply to my request to see the faults list for the long completed Town Hall redevelopment, which you also refused.

This systematic stonewalling of this elected representative by DCC staff is unacceptable to me.

Regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

[ends]

—

Related Post and Comments:
23.2.15 Lee Vandervis on DCC Code of Conduct process #emails #naturaljustice

█ For more, enter the terms *vandervis* and *citifleet* in the search box at right.

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

69 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Name, New Zealand, People, Police, Politics, Project management, Property, Stadiums

Tagged as Audit and Risk Subcommittee, Citifleet, Council staff, Councillors, Cr Lee Vandervis, DCC, DCC Corporate Services, DCC GM Corporate Services, DCC legal advice, Deloitte, Deloitte report, Disclosure, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Electronic copy, fubar stadium, Information sharing, Investigation, LGOIMA requests, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, Mayor of Dunedin, New Zealand Police, Office of the Ombudsmen, Official information, Ombudsman, Otago Stadium, Police, Privacy, SFO, Stadium review, Stadiums, Stonewalling, What is OPEN government?

by Elizabeth | February 11, 2015 · 2:50 pm

Dunedin Cycleways: Pet project staff, ‘entitlement’? #irony

“However, I can certainly confirm that it is not the practice of staff to pre-empt any decision-making by the council.” –Ruth Stokes, General Manager Infrastructure and Networks

### ODT Online Wed, 11 Feb 2015
Apology over council staff gaffe
By Vaughan Elder
A Dunedin City Council senior manager has apologised to councillors over a staff member appearing to pre-empt a council decision on cycleway funding. Concern over the actions of staff came up at yesterday’s infrastructure services committee, where councillors voted on the allocation of $570,000 in new Government money to spend on the South Dunedin cycle network. […] In the council press release, senior transportation planner Kylie Huard said the Government funding “will be used” to enhance and expand the South Dunedin cycle network, including providing a link between Shore St and Victoria Rd, via Tainui and Cavell Sts.
Read more

DCC Media Release (30 Jan 2015):
New Government Funding for Dunedin Cycleways

****

And another thing….

ODT (11.2.15) Board to pay for road closures
In the article Mick Reece is described as the “council parks, recreation and aquatic services group manager”. Group Manager.

█ Isn’t it time the Dunedin public received an up-to-date Dunedin City Council organisation chart showing reporting lines. To know exactly where those 40+ managers / team leaders (of a total council staff of about 700) are situated, at considerable cost to the ratepayers.

Message to DCC chief executive Sue Bidrose: “Time for fine detail.” And, “Due diligence to Democratic principles, to be learned by Staff.”

[Subtext: it wasn’t simply a typo]

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

5 Comments

Filed under Business, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management

Tagged as Chief Executive, Council staff, Councillors, Cycle network, Cycleways, DCC, Decision-making, Democracy, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Government funding, Organisational chart, Ratepayers and Residents, Reporting lines, Speaking rights, Staff salaries

by Elizabeth | December 19, 2014 · 12:33 pm

Vandervis: Deloitte and Police Citifleet investigations

Received from Lee Vandervis
Fri, 19 Dec 2014 at 11:54 a.m.

Deloitte and Police Citifleet Investigations – information I believe should be public in the public interest.

Message: I have had verbal and email responses from both CEO Bidrose and the Police denying that the scope of the Police investigation had been limited to missing or inappropriately sold DCC vehicles. These responses remain confidential currently because of other content they contain.
The fact remains that the investigating officer Detective Matthew Preece was adamant when he interviewed me on what I understood to be the last week of his investigation that he was not able to pursue my concerns of wider fraud other than missing vehicles, such as allegations regarding DCC contracts, and credit card and other financial spending fraud, because the complaint laid related just to missing vehicles.
Even more concerning was Detective Preece’s assertion to me that ‘all those that had acquired DCC vehicles needed to do, was to say that they understood Mr Bachop had the authority to dispose of them’ for them not to be liable for receiving or criminal prosecution. Detective Preece said that all those he had interviewed who had acquired DCC vehicles had said just that.

My worst fears that the tragic death of Mr Bachop would not be used to fully investigate the wider implications of a DCC staff self-serving culture were confirmed by the very limited scope of the belated Police investigation as relayed to me by Detective Preece. I wrote the following email to CEO Bidrose, Sandy Graham head of Governance, and Detective Mathew Preece that night. No demurring or other response to the email below has been received from Detective Preece.

Regards,
Cr. Vandervis

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 22:57:31 +1300
To: Sue Bidrose [DCC], Sandy Graham [DCC], Matthew Preece [NZ Police]
Conversation: Police Citifleet Investigation
Subject: Police Citifleet Investigation

Dear Sue,

An hour and a half spent with Detective Matthew Preece and another Policeman called Regan has left me with deep concerns regarding the Police Citifleet investigation.
Mr Preece has informed me that the scope of his investigation has been limited by the complaint the DCC has made to the Police, and that this complaint only concerns missing or inappropriately sold DCC vehicles.

Mr Preece says that because Police have not had a complaint from you or the DCC regarding;
– fraudulent Citifleet tender processes,
– fraudulent Citifleet tyre supply contracts,
– fraudulent Citifleet maintenance contracts
– fraudulent use of DCC Citifleet vehicle fuel
– fraudulent DCC accounting of Citifleet credit cards and other payment methods used and Citifleet managerial oversight
– and fraudulent use and conversion of DCC Citifleet vehicles [eg the conversion of a DCC-owned vehicle by Mrs Bachop]

and that consequently none of these fraud areas is being investigated!

Mr Preece did say that if you as CEO were to request that he broaden his investigation to include these other areas and not just the missing cars, that he would broaden his enquiry to include them. He insisted that he would have to have a broadened complaint from you as CEO for this to happen, and implied that a complaint from me as a City Councillor would not be enough to act on.

I have highlighted to Preece and Regan the urgent need to use the Citifleet manager’s tragic death to investigate and prosecute all Citifleet fraud areas, as a failure to do so will result in the loss of an unprecedented opportunity to clean out the culture of entitlement at Citifleet and in other DCC departments.

Can you please with urgency broaden the DCC complaint to include the 6 areas of potential Citifleet fraud listed above, so that Mr Reece can broaden his enquiry to include them.

Can you please also now with urgency, forward to me all instructions to Deloitte regarding the Citifleet investigation as previously requested in my email of 26/10/14 as below.

Is it possible to meet with you at any time tomorrow at your convenience to learn whether you have broadened the DCC Police complaint or not?

Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

—

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2014 18:23:41 +1300
To: Sue Bidrose [DCC], Sandy Graham [DCC]
Conversation: LGOIMA requests
Subject: LGOIMA requests

Hi Sue,
Further to my verbal requests of a week or two ago please forward copies of all original correspondence and or other direction given to Deloittes in regard to their investigation of Citifleet.
I wish to have the original brief stating the terms of reference, the subsequent brief where the investigation needed to be extended, and any other direction written or otherwise given to Deloittes regarding the Citifleet investigation.
I am deeply disturbed by what I have seen in parts of the investigation conclusions appearing without covering page or any details identifying them as parts of the Deloitte findings in non-public parts of the Audit and Risk subcommittee meetings.
I note a severe slowing on responses to my recent LGOIMA requests, and hope this has been a temporary frustration.
Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

12 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management, Property

Tagged as Accountability, Accounting practices, Alfa Romeo tyres, Auctions, Brent Bachop, Cars, Cash trade, Citifleet, Citipark, Council staff, Credit cards, DCC, Death, Deloitte, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Finance, Finance Department, Fixed Asset Register (FAR), Fleet, Fleet vehicles, Former DCC chief executive, Garaging, Heavies of Dunedin car world, Investigations, Jim Harland, Justice, Mayor Cull, New Zealand, NZ Police, ODT, Otago, Otago Daily Times, Paul Orders, Police investigation, Public relations, Service contracts, SFO, SPIN, The wife, Transparency, Turners, Vehicles, We made our money and RAN, What Paul Orders knew, Whitewash, Who got the fuel card?

by Elizabeth | December 19, 2014 · 2:06 am

DCC Citifleet by email . . . . woops! (another timeline proof)

Received from Lee Vandervis
Thu, 18 Dec at 11:35 p.m.

Message: I have spoken with Michael Allan at Radio NZ tonight. I have also sent him a selection of emails from 2011, which I also sent to Kyle Cameron of Deloitte and to Mathew Preece of the Dunedin Police and which I will now copy to you.

[five threads follow]

I —Info re Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 23:30:47 +1300
To: Michael Allan [Radio NZ]
Conversation: Info re Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Info re Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:27:17 +1300
To: Matthew Preece [NZ Police]
Conversation: Info re Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Info re Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:21:24 +1200
To: Kyle Cameron [Deloitte]
Conversation: Info re Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Info re Brent Bachop

****

—— Forwarded Message
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:56:17 +1200
To: Sandy Graham [DCC]
Conversation: Info re Brent Bachop
Subject: Re: Info re Brent Bachop
G’day Sandy,
Thank you for the limited response you have given me to below. I still hope to get 2007, 2008 and 2009 credit card spending details as per those already provided for 2010.
Regarding “spending by Brent Bachop, especially September 2007. I wish to have the details confirmed on a purchase of Falken tyres size 195/65-15 as fitted to an Alfa Romeo.” is it possible that these tyres may have been paid for by some other method that still ended up on the ratepayers’ account? Please advise if I have to discover the registration plate number of the particular Alfa Romeo to get the information on who paid for this set of tyres.
Re purchase of Mazda Bounty vehicle that it is alleged Mr Bachop sold to himself, surely complete information on this type of transaction must be on Council records?
Looking forward,
Lee

On 14/10/11 10:21 PM, “Lee Vandervis” wrote:
Hi Sandy,
Sorry to keep coming back with this, but the info required has been difficult to tease out.
Thank you for 2010 DCC credit card spending list.
I am now looking for 2007 credit card spending by Brent Bachop, especially September 2007. I wish to have the details confirmed on a purchase of Falken tyres size 195/65-15 as fitted to an Alfa Romeo.
Could you also forward 2008 and 2009 credit card spending.
Also of interest is the sales, sale prices and sold-to information on the sales of all Mazda Bounty vehicles, especially one that Mr Bachop allegedly sold to himself.
Sorry I have no dates for this, but the vehicle type, Mazda Bounty should hopefully be enough to establish DCC ownership and subsequent disposal.
Re DCC vehicle disposals, can you confirm which business or businesses the DCC disposes of fleet vehicles through currently, and which businesses have been used in the last 5 years.
In case you are wondering, these info requests are not fishing expeditions but responses to repeated allegations form a number of Dunedin businesses, many focused on Mr Bachop.
I have had no personal dealings with Mr Bachop and do not even know what he looks like.
Kind regards,
Lee
—— End of Forwarded Message

II —Info re Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 23:29:22 +1300
To: Michael Allan [Radio NZ]
Conversation: Info re Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Info re Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:27:41 +1300
To: Matthew Preece [NZ Police]
Conversation: Info re Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Info re Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:15:31 +1200
To: Kyle Cameron [Deloitte]
Conversation: Info re Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Info re Brent Bachop

****

—— Forwarded Message
From: Sandy Graham [DCC]
Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 11:02:33 +1300
To: Lee Vandervis
Subject: RE: Info re Brent Bachop
Dear Lee
Just an update on this.
I should have the purchase card info this afternoon and will flick it onto you.
Sandy

From: Lee Vandervis
Sent: Friday, 14 October 2011 11:21 p.m.
To: Sandy Graham
Subject: Info re Brent Bachop
Hi Sandy,
Sorry to keep coming back with this, but the info required has been difficult to tease out.
Thank you for 2010 DCC credit card spending list.
I am now looking for 2007 credit card spending by Brent Bachop, especially September 2007. I wish to have the details confirmed on a purchase of Falken tyres size 195/65-15 as fitted to an Alfa Romeo.
Could you also forward 2008 and 2009 credit card spending.
Also of interest is the sales, sale prices and sold-to information on the sales of all Mazda Bounty vehicles, especially one that Mr Bachop allegedly sold to himself.
Sorry I have no dates for this, but the vehicle type, Mazda Bounty should hopefully be enough to establish DCC ownership and subsequent disposal.
Re DCC vehicle disposals, can you confirm which business or businesses the DCC disposes of fleet vehicles through currently, and which businesses have been used in the last 5 years.
In case you are wondering, these info requests are not fishing expeditions but responses to repeated allegations form [sic] a number of Dunedin businesses, many focused on Mr Bachop.
I have had no personal dealings with Mr Bachop and do not even know what he looks like.
Kind regards,
Lee
—— End of Forwarded Message

III —Councillor Vandervis question about tyres

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 23:27:51 +1300
To: Michael Allan [Radio NZ]
Conversation: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres
Subject: FW: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:28:26 +1300
To: Matthew Preece [NZ Police]
Conversation: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres
Subject: FW: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:11:32 +1200
To: Kyle Cameron [Deloitte]
Conversation: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres
Subject: FW: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres

****

—— Forwarded Message
From: Kevin Thompson [DCC]
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 16:55:33 +1200
To: Lee Vandervis
Cc: Brent Bachop [DCC]
Subject: FW: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres
Good afternoon.
At the Finance & Strategy Meeting this afternoon I was incorrect in saying we go out to tender for the supply of tyres — as stated below we work through the GSB to get the best discounted rate — my apologies for putting you wrong on this point.
At the time I was thinking of our tendering process for the mtce and servicing of the vehicles which is going out for tender next year.
If you would like to further discuss this please give me a call.
regards,
Kevin

—–Original Message—–
From: Brent Bachop [DCC]
Sent: Monday, 26 June 2006 4:31 p.m.
To: Kevin Thompson [DCC]
Subject: Councillor Vandervis question about tyres
Kevin
In answer to the queries you had from Councillor Vandervis about the purchase of tyres.
Citifleet spend under $50,000 annually so we are not required to go to tender.
All tyres are purchased locally from Bridgestone NZ (trading as Firestone) through GSB Supply Corp (formally the Government Stores Board) giving us nation wide buying power so we get our tyres and repairs at a heavily discounted rate.
Most large Council’s and the likes of the Police etc use GSB not only for tyres but fuel as well as do we.
We have in the past used other suppliers but none of them could match the service and buying power we get through GSB.
I have looked into using other suppliers as recently as last Friday and after working through this issue with the Expenditure Manager in the Finance department we both came to same conclusion that Firestone is the best option for us at this point in time.
All tyres purchased are done so using our Fleetcard system.
Let me know if you need any more info.
Brent
—— End of Forwarded Message

IV —Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 23:26:31 +1300
To: Michael Allan [Radio NZ]
Conversation: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:29:10 +1300
To: Matthew Preece [NZ Police]
Conversation: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 22:14:44 +1200
To: Kyle Cameron [Deloitte]
Conversation: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

****

—— Forwarded Message
From: Vivienne Harvey [DCC]
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:17:33 +1300
To: Paul Orders [DCC], Lee Vandervis
Subject: RE: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Hi Lee
I have checked the diary for 30 November and Paul can fit a meeting in with Turners and yourself at 11.00 am that day or 1.00 pm. Due to the Community Development Committee at 2.00 pm that day and a Maori Participation Working Party meeting at 5.00 pm there is no other time in the afternoon.
Who else do you want in attendance at the meeting?
Thanks
Vivienne

From: Paul Orders
Sent: Friday, 11 November 2011 6:38 a.m.
To: Vivienne Harvey
Subject: Fwd: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Can we try to accommodate something on this.
Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: 10 November 2011 11:40:00 AM NZDT
To: Paul Orders [DCC]
Cc: Shane Gall [Turners]
Subject: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Dear Paul,
Further to my more general email this morning about building partnerships, Dunedin’s largest car auction business has contacted me regarding on-gong [sic] problems trying to do business with the DCC.
Turner’s Auctions big cheese Mr Kachwalla from Auckland will be in Dunedin on the 30th of this month, and was hoping to organise a brief meeting with you and local Turners management on the afternoon of the 30th to attempt to normalise a Turners/DCC business relationship.
I was hoping to bundle similar issues with other Dunedin business issues with Mr Bachop, but am still awaiting information ex DCC after over a month in order to do this.
Hopefully you will have time on the next Wednesday the 30th to accommodate Turners Management hopes for a meeting.
Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

From: Shane Gall [Turners]
Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:30:03 +1300
To: Lee Vandervis
Subject: FW: Turners
Good Afternoon Lee
Attached below is the response we received from Brent less than one minute after sending the email. After 2 emails & numerous phone calls leaving voice messages I’ve yet to get a response.
Asgar Kachwalla is the national accounts manager, & will be here on the 29th / 30th of this month. So if we could get an appointment to meet with Paul Orders this would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Shane Gall

{{RE: Ute}}
—— End of Forwarded Message

Attachment To Shane Gall’s Email

[Bachop] Another staff turn over, they wonder why their clients cant strike a good relationship.
As received (Sep 2011); date, time and recipient detail lost from email chain (recoverable). -Eds

—

That’s great, talk to you soon Peter.
Brent Bachop
Citifleet Team Leader
Dunedin City Council
As received (Sep 2011); date, time and recipient detail lost from email chain (recoverable). -Eds

—

From: Peter Boyle [Turners]
Sent: Thursday, 29 September 2011 3:51 p.m.
To: Brent Bachop
Cc: Shane Gall [Turners]
Subject: RE: Ute

Hi Brent
Jeff has finished up with us as of last week so Shane Gall will be handling this for you. The vehicle has just arrived and once he has given it a look over he will be in touch to discuss your expectations, setting the reserve, etc.
I am the new manager down here and would love to get out and meet you in the near future. Shane will talk to you about setting up a meeting
Kind Regards
Peter Boyle
Branch Manager Otago/Southland

From: Brent Bachop
Sent: Thursday, 29 September 2011 1:37 p.m.
To: Jeff McLean [Turners]
Subject: Ute
Hi Jeff
Ill have a Ford Courier coming out you this afternoon for disposal.
Talk to you soon.
Regards
Brent Bachop
Citifleet Team Leader
Dunedin City Council

—— End of Forwarded Message

V —Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 23:24:12 +1300
To: Michael Allan [Radio NZ]
Conversation: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 18:30:38 +1300
To: Mathew Preece [NZ Police]
Conversation: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 22:12:36 +1200
To: Kyle Cameron [Deloitte]
Conversation: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Subject: FW: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

****

—— Forwarded Message
From: Shane Gall [Turners]
Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:57:03 +1300
To: Lee Vandervis
Subject: RE: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Thank you Lee

From: Lee Vandervis
Sent: Thursday, 10 November 2011 11:40 a.m.
To: Paul Orders
Cc: Shane Gall [Turners]
Subject: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop
Dear Paul,
Further to my more general email this morning about building partnerships, Dunedin’s largest car auction business has contacted me regarding on-gong [sic] problems trying to do business with the DCC.
Turner’s Auctions big cheese Mr Kachwalla from Auckland will be in Dunedin on the 30th of this month, and was hoping to organise a brief meeting with you and local Turners management on the afternoon of the 30th to attempt to normalise a Turners/DCC business relationship.
I was hoping to bundle similar issues with other Dunedin business issues with Mr Bachop, but am still awaiting information ex DCC after over a month in order to do this.
Hopefully you will have time on the next Wednesday the 30th to accommodate Turners Management hopes for a meeting.
Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

From: Shane Gall [Turners]
Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:30:03 +1300
To: Lee Vandervis
Subject: FW: Turners
Good Afternoon Lee
Attached below is the response we received from Brent less than one minute after sending the email. After 2 emails & numerous phone calls leaving voice messages I’ve yet to get a response.
Asgar Kachwalla is the national accounts manager, & will be here on the 29th / 30th of this month. So if we could get an appointment to meet with Paul Orders this would be much appreciated.
Kind Regards
Shane Gall
—— End of Forwarded Message

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

8 Comments

Filed under Business, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management, Property

by Elizabeth | December 18, 2014 · 4:34 pm

DCC: Deloitte report released on Citifleet

██ Deloitte Report – redacted copy (PDF, 3.8 MB)
Project Lewis – Investigation Report

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Deloitte Report Released

This item was published on 18 Dec 2014

The findings of an independent investigation into a fraud at the Dunedin City Council have been released publicly.

DCC Chief Executive Officer Sue Bidrose says, “The Police have advised their investigation is now at a point where the Deloitte report can be released. We have committed to keeping ratepayers informed and can now make the findings of the report public.”

Deloitte was engaged by the DCC in May to launch an investigation after staff identified what appeared to be a discrepancy in the number of Citifleet vehicles when implementing new financial procedures related to DCC assets. The alleged fraud totals more than $1.5 million and centres on the DCC receiving no proceeds from the sale of 152 vehicles from the DCC’s vehicle fleet. A formal complaint was laid with the Police in August following the Deloitte investigation. The Police were asked to investigate any matters arising from the Deloitte report.

Ms Bidrose says she cannot comment on the Police investigation.

Commenting on the Police investigation, Dunedin Clutha Waitaki Area Commander Inspector Jason Guthrie says, “This is a complex series of offending involving the significant misappropriation of DCC assets. There are a number of aspects to the Police investigation and whilst it is well progressed, it will be subject to a final review in the new year.”

The Deloitte report looks at a range of issues, including the ways the fraud was carried out and internal control failings at the DCC. Some parts of the report have been redacted for privacy reasons.

Ms Bidrose says, “The Deloitte report is clear that a single person committed the fraud in a number of different ways over an extended period of time. The fact this could happen was an indictment on our business processes and we have made considerable efforts to improve and modernise these. This work was already underway and was how the fraud was uncovered. Measures have been, and continue to be, taken to make sure the appropriate level of accountability and oversight is in place in the future across the organisation. We are committed to continuing our programme of work to ensure we have best practice across the board.”

[STOP. Who aided, abetted and benefitted from the deals ???]

Ms Bidrose says the DCC has completed all the employment processes identified in the Deloitte report. These relate to a small number of staff, but she will not be discussing individual employment matters in public. The DCC has received a $1 million insurance payment following the Citifleet fraud. The DCC had $1 million fidelity insurance and insurers QBE have paid out the total amount, in two separate payments.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, “The Council has pushed for more transparency and tighter processes, with the clear aim of becoming a best practice public sector organisation. We totally support the work senior management has been carrying out and the changes which have resulted from this scrutiny.”

Ms Bidrose says a wide range of work has been completed to improve and modernise DCC processes, including:
● The introduction of a new Audit and Risk Subcommittee, with an independent Chair.
● All tenders that are awarded through the DCC Tenders Board are published on the DCC website for greater transparency.
● A central contracts register has been put in place.
● The ‘whistleblower’ policy has been updated.
● A review of fleet card processes and the issuing of cards.

Further work in progress includes:
● The appointment of a dedicated Risk and Internal Audit Manager. This position has been advertised.
● A fraud awareness campaign and training for all staff will begin in the new year.
● A risk management framework, which is almost complete.
● The development of new procurement and tendering processes across the DCC.

█ A copy of the redacted report is available at http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/deloittereport

Background
Citifleet is responsible for the management of all DCC vehicles and the operation of an internal courier service. The fleet includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans and various trailers, plant and machinery. There are currently 122 vehicles, but the DCC is in the process of reviewing whether all those vehicles are required.

Contact Graham McKerracher, Communications and Marketing Manager on 027 294 6301. DCC Link

—

[screenshot]

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

55 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site

by Elizabeth | November 3, 2014 · 12:34 pm

DCC: What happened to $20 million cash on hand? #LGOIMA

1. Council had $22 million cash on hand.
2. Council spent $20 million (cash) on “capital projects”.
3. Council won’t account for the $20 million.
4. Council seeks open cheque to make discovery.

█ Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Interim Financial Result – 12 Months to 30 June 2014

—

On 8 September 2014, the Council’s interim financial result for 12 months to 30 June 2014 was tabled at a meeting of the Finance Committee. A week later, ODT (15.9.14) reported Mayor Cull as saying there was a “significant improvement” to the Council’s core debt position.

In the same item, “Council group chief financial officer Grant McKenzie said the turnaround was partly due to a significant change in the amount of cash held by the council. The forecast had included about $22 million in “cash on hand”, but, since Mr McKenzie’s arrival, the decision had been made to slash the amount to about $2 million, he said. The cash was instead used to pay for capital projects, avoiding the expected need to borrow for the work, which reduced the council’s need to borrow by $20 million, he said.” ODT Link

What if? flagged the ‘cash-no-longer-on-hand’ illumination with a post:
● 15.9.14 Cull’s council spent the cash

Capital projects?
How was the money spent, and who by?
Then, we completely lost sight of it.
As the following correspondence shows, Council spent $20 million of ratepayer funds but refuses to declare where the cash went. Mr McKenzie plays the convenient game of obfuscation —like so many before him, and alongside him now at DCC.

█ Apparently, I’m to be personally charged for demanding relevant paperwork to track down the Public Money.

Accountability? Transparency? What the HELL is that?
NOT something DCC values, that’s a dead cert.

[begins]

From: Elizabeth Kerr
Sent: Tuesday, 23 September 2014 11:13 p.m.
To: Sandy Graham [DCC Group Manager Corporate Services]
Subject: LGOIMA request

Dear Sandy

Re: Cull warns debt still hurdle for council (ODT 15.9.14)http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/315949/cull-warns-debt-still-hurdle-council

Within the news item it says:

“The forecast had included about $22 million in “cash on hand”, but, since Mr McKenzie’s arrival, the decision had been made to slash the amount to about $2 million, he said.

“The cash was instead used to pay for capital projects, avoiding the expected need to borrow for the work, which reduced the council’s need to borrow by $20 million, he said.”

I would like the DCC to precisely itemise the way(s) in which the city council has spent this $20 million of “cash on hand”, to include the capital projects by name or other reference; the name(s) of the relevant council department(s) and or committee(s) that incurred this expenditure; the dates of expenditure; the spending delegations attributable to which, by name, formal signatories on account; and any other information in legible form that would assist the city council to meet my request in a forthright, full and transparent manner.

I look forward to reply.

Thanks, kind regards

Elizabeth Kerr

__________________________

From: Sandy Graham [DCC]
Sent: ‎Wednesday‎, ‎24‎ ‎September‎ ‎2014 ‎9‎:‎01‎ ‎a.m.
To: Elizabeth Kerr
Cc: Grace Ockwell [DCC]

Thanks Elizabeth

I have forwarded to staff to consider and a response will be provided as soon as possible but in any event within twenty working days. It may be that I need to come back to you with questions of clarification or refinement depending on how this information is stored/held but I will be in touch as required.

Warm regards
Sandy

__________________________

From: Elizabeth Kerr
Sent: Friday, 31 October 2014 1:42 p.m.
To: Sandy Graham [DCC]
Cc: Grace Ockwell [DCC]
Subject: Re: LGOIMA request [DCC expenditure of $20M cash on hand]

Dear Sandy

The official information request I made on 23 September 2014 (see emails [above]) is yet to have a response, we are now well outside the twenty working day limit.

Please provide update on how soon the information will be released.

Many thanks, and kind regards

Elizabeth

__________________________

From: Sandy Graham [DCC]
Sent: ‎Friday‎, ‎31‎ ‎October‎ ‎2014 ‎2‎:‎03‎ ‎p.m.
To: Elizabeth Kerr
Cc: Grace Ockwell [DCC]

Sorry Elizabeth.

My fault. I had been supplied with a response and had not forwarded it.

The Group Chief Financial Officer advises:

“This request cannot be completed for what they are requesting as I do not know what capital and operating activity we would assign to the $20 million. In addition the work involved in getting the invoices etc would be significant. What has happened is that we have used our cash on hand to fund council activity (operating and capital) instead of borrowing to do this.”

If you would like me to pursue the possibility of tracking down invoices, I would need to consider charging for this work because there would be significant collation and research required, and even then, we may not be able to fully answer your question. Let me know if you would like me to investigate this further.

The GCFO has indicated he is happy to meet and talk through the issues but is unable to provide any further information at this stage.

Again, apologies for my tardiness.

Sandy

__________________________

From: Elizabeth Kerr [mailto:ejkerr@ihug.co.nz]
Sent: Friday, 31 October 2014 2:05 p.m.
To: Sandy Graham [DCC]
Cc: Grace Ockwell [DCC]; Grant McKenzie [DCC GCFO]
Subject: Re: LGOIMA request [DCC expenditure of $20M cash on hand]

Dear Sandy

Thanks for getting back to me promptly today. I acknowledge receipt.

I’m considering your response fully and as a consequence looking into all my options.

Kind regards, Elizabeth

[ends]

—

Serendipitously, the same day (31.10.14), I heard from Cr Lee Vandervis —unbeknownst to me, a couple of days earlier he had voiced a similar query about the [MISSING PRESUMED DROWNED] $20 million “cash on hand”, and more, following his study of the Council’s Annual Report 2013-14.

█ Report – Council – 30/10/14 (PDF, 2.5 MB)
Approval and Adoption of Annual Report

[begins]

—— Forwarded Message
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2014 22:38:15 +1300
To: Sue Bidrose [DCC], Sandy Graham [DCC]
Conversation: Annual Report
Subject: Annual Report

Hi Sue,

The beginning of the Annual Report seems very reassuring with your highlighting our billion dollars worth of saleable assets, and our debt levels in pretty good shape and improving.

Looking further into the body of the report there is a lot of tabulation of various kinds of assets, but I seem not to be able to find the same depth of discussion on debt or the historical debt graph that I fought for years to finally get included. [A Consolidated term liabilities figure of $622,843,000 does appear on p199. I had been led to expect a historical graph of DCC debt and of total consolidated debt]
Is it possible to also have a graph of all inclusive historical staff costs included? There was one a while ago but it seems to have been dropped again.

At the end of the document I find a number of graphs that feature a fetching orange colour bar that seems to indicate that our “thriving and diverse economy” under Affordability has exceeded our LTP quantified limit on rates income in 2013 and 2014, exceeded the quantified limit on rates increase this year, slipped below the balanced budget benchmark, and also slipped below the essential services benchmark for this year.
It is no surprise to me that Citipark has not achieved targets, but I am surprised that your opening comments are so upbeat when the closing benchmarks are not met and the quantified limits seem to be exceeded.
These benchmark and limit graphs may have been misinterpreted by me because despite reading them several times I remain unsure of their real import.
Is it possible for someone to explain to me how the ‘pretty good shape and improving’ overview is supported, especially in light of the $20 million cut [from $22 million] in cash on hand and various sales that we have apparently recently instituted, combined with further expected constraints on DCHL subvention payments?

Looking forward,
Lee
__________________________

—— Forwarded Message
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 15:34:29 +1300
To: Debbie Porteous [ODT], Nicholas GS Smith [ODT]
Conversation: Annual Report
Subject: FW: Annual Report

Hi Debbie,
The Tuesday 28th email [above], which still remains unanswered, may help explain some of what deeply concerns me regarding yet another DCC Annual Report presented as up-beat.

Kind regards,
Cr. Vandervis
—— End of Forwarded Message
—— End of Forwarded Message

[ends]

If there was a plot to hide the way $20 million slid from sight, it thickens.
Not done yet, because I’m not a turkey dinner.

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

20 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, Construction, Cycle network, DCC, Democracy, Design, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, Heritage, Hot air, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, Otago Polytechnic, People, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Stadiums, Tourism, Town planning, University of Otago, Urban design, What stadium

Tagged as "Going forward", 'Carry-forwards', Accountability, All gone, Amenity improvements, Borrowing, Budgets, Capital projects, Cash, Cash on hand, Cash position, CBD project, Citifleet, Core debt position, Council debt CRISIS, Council staff, Councillors, Cycle ways, DCC, DCC Annual Report 2013-14, Debt funding, Democracy, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Enterprise Dunedin, Finance, Finance Committee, Forecasting, Infrastructure and Networks, Interim financial report, LGOIMA, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, Obfuscation, Precincts, Q&A, Ratepayers and Residents, Stadium, Transparency

by Elizabeth | October 31, 2014 · 10:55 pm

Whaleoil on “dodgy ratbag local body politicians” —just like ours at DCC

### whaleoil.co.nz Fri, 31 Oct 2014 at 5:20pm
Why is there no law to rein in dodgy ratbag local body politicians?
By Cameron Slater
Former ARC Councillor Bill Burrill is not the first dodgy ratbag Councillor to trough from abuses of power to his own pecuniary advantage in recent years. A few years back in 2009 Council Watch was calling for a number of Councillors from the Canterbury Regional Council to be prosecuted and sacked from their positions after an investigation by the Auditor General Lyn Provost found that four individuals had broken the law by acting in conflict with their official role. Back then those Canterbury Councillors failed to declare a conflict on interest that [led] to a financial benefit for themselves by participating in discussion and voting on proposals before Council. Under investigation the Auditor General’s office chose not to prosecute stating that whilst the Councillors should have withdrawn as a matter of principle – they had each received and shared legal advice that they could participate. And here in lies the problem. The Auditor General and Office of the Ombudsmen publish clear guidelines for Councillors and council staff but the reality is that the law is erroneously filled with holes that are exploited and there is precious little oversight of Local Government leading to the Auditor General loathing to bother and the Courts uninterested.
Read more

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

2 Comments

Filed under Architecture, Business, Carisbrook, Citifleet, Construction, CST, Cycle network, DCC, DCHL, DCTL, Delta, Democracy, Design, DVL, DVML, Economics, Enterprise Dunedin, Geography, Highlanders, Hot air, Media, Name, New Zealand, NZTA, ORFU, Otago Polytechnic, People, Pics, Politics, Project management, Property, Site, Sport, Stadiums, Tourism, Town planning, University of Otago, Urban design

Tagged as "Serious conflicts of interest", Athol Stephens, Auditor-General, Carisbrook, Carisbrook Stadium Charitable Trust, Chief Executive Officer, Citifleet, City Development Team, City Forests, City Property, COC, Conflicts of interest, Council debt CRISIS, Council staff, Councillors, CSCT, CST, Daaave Cull, Darren Burden, Dave Cull, DCC, DCC CEO, DCHL, DCTL, Delta, Delta Investments Ltd, Delta Utility Services Ltd, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin City Holdings Ltd, Dunedin City Treasury Ltd, Dunedin Cycle Network, EDS, EDU, Enterprise Dunedin, fubar stadium, GRATER Dunedin, Greater Dunedin, Highlanders, Investigations, Jacks Point, Jim Harland, Jinters, Jinty, Jokers bars, Lesser Dunedin, List goes on..., Luggate, Lyn Provost, Malcolm Farry, Mike Coburn, MintyJinty, Office of the Auditor-General, ORFU, Otago Chamber of Commerce, Otago rugby, Otago Rugby Football Union, Otago Stadium, Paul Hudson, Peter Chin, Private trusts, Ratepayers and Residents, Ron Anderson, Rugby, Stadium Councillors, Stadiums, Stewart Barnett, Syd Brown, Terry Davies, Toothless investigations, Tourism Dunedin, Water and waste services, Whistleblower policy

by Elizabeth | October 24, 2014 · 1:18 pm

DCC Citifleet, more revelations….

Dunedin City councillor Lee Vandervis said he alerted council chief executive of the time Paul Orders that the Dunedin branch of Turners was consistently shut out of contracts it sought, mainly for the disposal of used cars in 2011.

### stuff.co.nz Last updated 09:57 24/10/2014
Citifleet ‘stonewalled’ auctioneer firm
By Wilma McKay
A Dunedin city councillor says the council should have investigated its fraught Citifleet unit three years ago, when he expressed concerns that it shut out firms like car auctioneer Turners. Lee Vandervis said that in 2011 he alerted council chief executive of the time Paul Orders that the Dunedin branch of Turners was consistently shut out of contracts it sought, mainly for the disposal of used cars. The city council said in June this year it was investigating practices within its vehicle fleet unit Citifleet.
Unit team leader Brent Bachop had died suddenly in late May. His death has been referred to the coroner.
A subsequent Deloitte investigation, commissioned by the council, unravelled a vast network of alleged fraudulent activity, some with selected car dealers and other individuals, over 11 years, equating to more than a million dollars in lost council revenue. Some of the activity involved profits from the disposal of second hand Citifleet vehicles allegedly being pocketed instead of being paid into council coffers.
Vandervis said he was concerned about Bachop’s business dealings when he was told by Turners and other Dunedin businesses they were having difficulty even engaging with Citifleet. He began pressing Orders on the issue and made a raft of requests for information around Citifleet. Vandervis suggested Orders meet the manager “to attempt to normalise a Turners/DCC business relationship”. Vandervis said Turners’ staff had expressed “long and on-going frustration at trying to deal with Citifleet vehicle disposals”.
Read more

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

24 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management, Property

Tagged as Accountability, Accounting practices, Asset lists, Auctions, Brent Bachop, Car auctions, Cars, Citifleet, Council department, Council staff, DCC, Death, Deloitte, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Finance, Fleet, Fleet vehicles, Investigation, Jim Harland, Justice, Mayor Cull, Money, New Zealand, ODT, Otago, Otago Daily Times, Paul Orders, Police investigaion, Publication, SFO, SPIN, Transparency, Turners, Turners Auctions, Vehicles

by Elizabeth | October 21, 2014 · 8:22 pm

DCC Citifleet, undetectable….

Received from Lee Vandervis
Tue, 21 Oct 2014 at 7:36 p.m.

Message: In discussions with Sir Julian [Smith], apparently the ODT Editor has said, since Mr Cannan’s comment, that the actual reason for non-publication of my ‘Citifleet Years of Inaction’ letter was that I already had a letter printed on a similar topic recently.
My previous letter was not however on a similar topic or recent. My first letter which was printed, was sent on 24 August on the topic of Coroner and Police inaction.
My second ‘Citifleet Years of Inaction’ letter that the ODT have chosen not to print was on the topic of CEO Paul Orders’ inaction in 2011, and Mayoral misrepresentation.
It is a shame that most people will not now get the true story.
Feel free to publish so that at least some people get to know some of what has been misrepresented.

—— Forwarded Message
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:20:41 +1300
To: Cushla Turner [ODT], Nicholas GS Smith [ODT]
Cc: Murray Kirkness [ODT]
Conversation: Citifleet chain dragged – Letter to the Editor
Subject: Re: Citifleet chain dragged – Letter to the Editor

Resent – ODT chain dragged?

___________________________

On 4/09/14 8:02 AM, “Lee Vandervis” wrote:

Hi Cushla,
Monday has been and gone, and the mysteries of Coroner and Police inaction linger.
Is there any new reason for delay?

Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

___________________________

On 29/08/14 10:44 AM, “Cushla Turner” wrote:

Dear Cr. Vandervis,

Thank you for your letter to the editor, which was received on Monday, August 25. Given the content of your letter, it has been referred to the Dunedin City Council, the police and the coroner’s office for comment, with the deadline for responses being Monday, September 1. Our intention is to publish the letter once we have responses (or confirmations of no comment) from these sources.

Kind regards,
Cushla Turner
Editor’s secretary
Otago Daily Times

___________________________

On 29/08/2014 7:31 AM, Lee Vandervis wrote:
FW: Citifleet chain dragged – Letter to the Editor
Hi Murray,

I am interested to know whether or not the letter below is soon to appear in your paper.
There is a great deal following these questions that needs to be made public, and I am concerned at the spin so far, and that further delays will hinder urgently needed changes at the DCC.

Kind regards,
Cr. Vandervis

___________________________

—— Forwarded Message
From: Lee Vandervis
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 09:57:37 +1200
To: EditorODT
Cc: Nicholas GS Smith [ODT]
Conversation: Citifleet chain dragged – Letter to the Editor
Subject: Citifleet chain dragged – Letter to the Editor

Citifleet chain dragged – Letter to the Editor

Dear Murray,

Why is the coroner taking more than 3 months to deliver a verdict on the DCC Citifleet manager’s sudden death?
Why have the Police only just begun an investigation when so much evidence has been floating around for years and was so tragically highlighted over 3 months ago?
I have been asking for Citifleet manager and other tender process investigations recorded back at least as far as 2011.
Justice delayed is justice denied. Or with so much public money gone is that perhaps the reason?

Cr. Lee Vandervis

—— End of Forwarded Message

___________________________

—— Forwarded Message
From: Dave Cannan [ODT]
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 10:57:03 +1300
To: Lee Vandervis
Cc: EditorODT
Subject: citifleet

Hi Lee — in response, we regarded your email of 13.9.14 as more of a helpful backgrounder to assist us with our ongoing inquiries into the Citifleet scandal – which, as you will have no doubt observed, we are continuing to do regularly — but not as a letter for publication..

regards,\Dave Cannan [Day Editor, ODT]

___________________________

On 29/09/2014 10:59 PM, Lee Vandervis wrote:

Re: Citifleet years of inaction. – Letter to the Editor
Resent – hoping for some response.
Cheers,
Lee

___________________________

On 13/09/14 11:08 AM, “Lee Vandervis” wrote:

Citifleet years of inaction. – Letter to the Editor [ODT]

Dear Editor,

It has been reported (26.8.14) that “Cull said the recent alleged fraud within Citifleet was detected during a comprehensive internal review of the department, one of a series initiated by former council chief executive Paul Orders and continued by his successor, Bidrose.”, who said (3.9.14) “Bachop had told her all car sales went through Turners Car Auctions.”
In fact DCC vehicle disposal and other Bachop issues had been flagged in verbal questions and emails from me to CEO Orders and other senior DCC staff in 2011 following many complaints from Turner’s Auctions and other motor industry businesses. I also set up a meeting to resolve DCC/Turners issues between CEO Orders and Turner’s Auckland based national accounts manager Asgar Kachwalla in November 2011. It seems that little was done until CEO Bidrose began an investigation almost three years later. Perhaps the ODT should be doing some more investigating of its own. [confirming email example below].

Kind regards,

Cr. Lee Vandervis

___________________________

From: Lee Vandervis
Sent: Thursday, 10 November 2011 11:40 a.m.
To: Paul Orders [DCC]
Cc: Shane Gall [Turner’s Auctions]
Subject: Turners Auctions problems encountered trying to deal with DCC and Brent Bachop

Dear Paul,

Further to my more general email this morning about building partnerships, Dunedin’s largest car auction business has contacted me regarding on-gong (sic) problems trying to do business with the DCC.
Turner’s Auctions big cheese Mr Kachwalla from Auckland will be in Dunedin on the 30th of this month, and was hoping to organise a brief meeting with you and local Turners management on the afternoon of the 30th to attempt to normalise a Turners/DCC business relationship.
I was hoping to bundle similar issues with other Dunedin business issues with Mr Bachop, but am still awaiting information ex DCC after over a month in order to do this.

Hopefully you will have time on the next Wednesday the 30th to accommodate Turners Management hopes for a meeting.

Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis

—— End of Forwarded Message

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

3 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Property

by Elizabeth | September 15, 2014 · 1:27 pm

Cull’s council spent the cash

The cash was instead used to pay for capital projects, avoiding the expected need to borrow for the work, which reduced the council’s need to borrow by $20 million. –Grant McKenzie

The council had also agreed to another $20 million in carry-forwards for debt-funded project budgets, which shifted allocated funding for delayed projects from one year’s budget to the next. –Grant McKenzie

### ODT Online Mon, 15 Sep 2014
Cull warns debt still hurdle for council
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council cannot afford to get “complacent” despite a significant improvement to its core debt position, Mayor Dave Cull says. Council figures released last week showed its core debt – excluding companies – had dropped by nearly $5.5 million, from $227 million to $221.5 million, in the last financial year. […] the drop was the first time the council’s core debt had decreased since 2002-03, except for when stadium-related debt was transferred from the council to Dunedin Venues Ltd in 2010-11.
Read more

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DCC Sep 14, 2014

Dunedin City Council – Finance Committee – September 8 2014
Coverage of the Dunedin City Council Finance Committee held on Monday, 8 September 2014. Minutes, agendas and reports related to this meeting can be found at http://goo.gl/UumsOI

—

Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Interim Financial Result – 12 Months to 30 June 2014

Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 668.6 KB)
Financial Result – 1 Month to 31 July 2014

Report – FIN – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 391.2 KB)
Waipori Fund Quarterly Report to June 2014

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

13 Comments

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Tagged as "Going forward", 'Carry-forwards', Accountability, Borrowing, Budgets, Cash position, Core debt position, Council debt CRISIS, Council staff, Councillors, DCC, Debt funding, Democracy, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin Town Hall Redevelopment Project, Finance Committee, Forecasting, Q&A, Ratepayers and Residents, Rating staff, Transparency, YouTube

by Elizabeth | September 9, 2014 · 3:21 pm

DCC: More loose spending on Cull’s watch #SexySummerJobs wtf

The initiative was run by Enterprise Dunedin but supported by the Grow Dunedin partnership, itself a product of the city’s economic development strategy, which recommended the funding increase to the council.

The rules allowed Mr [Des] Adamson to approve grants not exceeding $10,000, while those worth between $10,000 and $50,000 needed sign-off by three senior figures, including council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose. In addition, individual grants worth more than $50,000 needed the approval of the finance committee.

### ODT Online Tue, 9 Sep 2014
Funding boost approved for intern programme
By Chris Morris
The Dunedin City Council has approved a funding boost to help expand the Sexy Summer Jobs business internship programme. Councillors at yesterday’s economic development committee meeting approved the request for $72,000, a $12,000 increase from last year, to help pay for the programme in 2014-15. They also voted to tweak the rules allowing staff to approve similar funding requests for the remainder of the year, despite concerns from Cr Lee Vandervis.
Read more

Report – EDC – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 384.9 KB)
Sexy Summer Jobs Business Internship Project Funding Request

Report – EDC – 08/09/2014 (PDF, 61.2 KB)
Economic Development Strategy (EDS) Projects Budget – Delegations Clarification

What Daaave said (ODT 29.7.14)
“Mayor Dave Cull said it was ironic the community rated economic development, jobs and businesses so highly given changes to local Government meant councils no longer had a mandate to work in that area.”
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/310914/ratepayers-wishes-clear-survey

█ But still ratepayer monies are being used like a SLUSH FUND lubricant by this council and cohort/corrupt business via the Economic Development Strategy (note bed partners) and DCC’s slippery credit card ‘Enterprise Dunedin’.

—

Updated post 15.9.14 at 2:25 p.m.

DCC Sep 14, 2014

Dunedin City Council – Economic Development Committee – Sept 8 2014
Coverage of the Dunedin City Council Economic Development Committee held on Monday, 8 September 2014. Minutes, agendas and reports related to this meeting can be found at http://goo.gl/gXTGk9

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

18 Comments

Filed under Business, DCC, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, Otago Polytechnic, People, Politics, Project management, University of Otago

Tagged as Business internships, Chris Staynes, Council debt CRISIS, Council shysters, Council staff, DCC, DCC BULLSHIT, DCC Economic Development Committee, Des Adamson, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin Economic Development Strategy 2012-2022, Economic Development Committee, Enterprise Dunedin, Export Education Uplift, Grow Dunedin, Internships, Lack of accountability, Lack of transparency, Loose spending, Mandates, Mayor Cull, Open cheque book, Ratepayers and Residents, Rorts, Slushfunds by ratepayer, Summer Jobs

by Elizabeth | September 3, 2014 · 7:15 pm

Stuff: Dunedin council CEO won’t resign

Latest at Southland Times by Wilma McCorkindale:
03/09/2014 at 17:03

Dr Sue Bidrose said she would not follow two of her general managers out the door in the wake of the $1.5 million alleged fraud investigation.

█ http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/10456244/Dunedin-council-CEO-won-t-resign

—

We all know it was never a question.

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

31 Comments

Filed under Business, Citifleet, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management, Property

Tagged as Audit, Brent Bachop, Buyers and Sellers, Cars, Chief executive Sue Bidrose, Citifleet, Citipark, Council departments, Council staff, DCC, Deloitte, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, ELT, Financial controls, Forensic audits, Investigations, NZ Police, Paul Orders, Personnel, Public interest, Public servants, Ratepayers and Residents, SFO, Vehicle dealers, Vehicle finance, Vehicles

by Elizabeth | August 26, 2014 · 1:53 pm

DCC: Forensics for kids

Fairfax Media has obtained Audit NZ letters of management to the DCC from 2005 to 2012, released under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act. The letters show that in the years 2007-2010 auditors consistently urged the DCC to tighten up its risk-management policies and processes.

Audit NZ expressed concern over what it indicated could be inadequate controls over several internal processes, including verifying signatures of those authorised to sign invoices and purchase orders, independent review of creditor files, and controls of sensitive areas such as sale of council assets to staff. (Fairfax)

### stuff.co.nz Last updated 08:17 26/08/2014
Dunedin council officers ‘not kids’
By Wilma McCorkindale
The Dunedin City Council (DCC) appears to have ignored calls by Audit New Zealand to improve its risk and fraud processes, saying its officers were “supposedly people with integrity … not kids”.

The DCC revealed in June it was investigating a suspected major fraud within its Citifleet unit. The fraud was suspected to have been carried out over a decade. Citifleet team leader Brent Bachop died suddenly in May. His death has been referred to the coroner. Council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose said the alleged fraud of $1.5 million included alleged illegal transactions resulting in the loss of profits from the sale of 123 council fleet vehicles. The findings have been passed to the Dunedin police for further investigation.

Fairfax Media has obtained Audit NZ letters of management to the DCC from 2005 to 2012, released under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act. The letters show that in the years 2007-2010 auditors consistently urged the DCC to tighten up its risk-management policies and processes. It appears Audit NZ was compelled to repeat similar advice over the period and noted the DCC met only minimum requirements.

Council managers’ response to the Audit NZ findings in 2010 was to say the council had considered creating an audit and risk committee but concluded its finance and strategy committee adequately performed the role. In December 2010 Audit NZ raised the issue of reviews of areas “susceptible to fraud”, but management commented that specific audits in the “most sensitive areas” had found “no transactions of concern or deficiencies in controls”.
Read more

Five council staff were involved in “employment processes”, with some facing the prospect of losing their jobs, the ODT understands.

[Irony] Local Government New Zealand president Lawrence Yule yesterday told the ODT the “mind-boggling” alleged fraud was the biggest involving a local authority he could recall.

### ODT Online Tue, 26 Aug 2014
Council overlooked audit advice
By Chris Morris
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull concedes a chance to detect the alleged $1.5 million Citifleet fraud may have been missed, after the council twice overlooked advice from Audit New Zealand. The revelation came in Audit New Zealand’s annual reports to the council, obtained by the Otago Daily Times, which highlighted gaps in council processes dating back to 2003. […] The findings have triggered finger-pointing between past and present council staff, councillors and Audit NZ, but council chief executive Dr Sue Bidrose said responsibility for failing to detect the alleged fraud rested with the council.
Read more

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

*Images (tweaked by whatifdunedin): tmba.tv – Tim McGarvey: 3D forensic animation (TMBA Inc. Animation Studio, New York City); scottthornbury.wordpress.com – F is for forensics (illustration by Quentin Blake, from Broughton, G. (1968) Success With English. Harmondsworth: Penguin)

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Tagged as Andrew Noone, Athol Stephens, Audit NZ, Audits, Bill Acklin, Carisbrook, Carisbrook Stadium Charitable Trust, Citifleet, City Property, Colin Weatherall, Consolidated Council Debt ($623m), Council bonds, Council staff, Councillors, CSCT, Dave Cull, DCC, DCC Group Debt, DCHL, DCHL Shareholder Advance, DCTL, Debt funding, Delta, Dunedin City Council, DVL, DVML, Finance, Finance forum, Fixing the books, Forensic audits, Free trade, Good Old Boys (GOBs), Have and have-nots, Inequality, Jim Harland, John Bezett, John Hansen, Malcolm Farry, Mayors, Neil Collins, OAG, ORFU, Paul Hudson, Peter Chin, Rate increases, Ratepayers and Residents, Rich and Poor, Richard Walls, Stadium BLOWOUT, Stadium Construction Cost, Stadium Ratepayer Contributions, Stadium review, Sydney Brown, Terry Davies, The 1%, The kids, Theory of Comparative Advantage, Total Assets, Water department

by Elizabeth | August 22, 2014 · 1:47 pm

DCC: Deloitte report referred to the police #Citifleet

Updated post 3.9.14

“We have committed to keeping ratepayers and residents informed, but my first priority has to be that the appropriate authorities hold people accountable and we try to recover some ratepayers’ money.” –Sue Bidrose, chief executive

Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Deloitte Report Referred to the Police

This item was published on 22 Aug 2014

An independent investigation into an alleged fraud at the Dunedin City Council has been completed and the matter has now been passed to the Police.

DCC Chief Executive Officer Dr Sue Bidrose says the alleged fraud totals more than $1.5 million and centres on the DCC receiving no proceeds from the sale of 152 vehicles from the DCC’s vehicle fleet. A formal complaint was laid with the Police last week following an independent investigation by Deloitte which began in late May. Citifleet Team Leader Brent Bachop died suddenly on 21 May. His death has been referred to the Coroner.

Deloitte was engaged by the DCC on 23 May to launch an investigation after staff identified what appeared to be a discrepancy in the number of Citifleet vehicles when implementing new financial procedures related to DCC assets.

Dr Bidrose says, “The matter is now with the Police and on their advice, and the advice of the Crown Solicitor, we are not releasing the Deloitte report at this stage, to ensure we do not prejudice any Police investigation.

It appears the alleged fraud was possible because of inadequate internal checks and balances within the DCC. Dr Bidrose says, “We are changing things here at the DCC and it is these changes that uncovered this alleged fraud, which occurred over at least a decade. This reinforces the need for these changes which, frankly, are long overdue.” Measures have been, and continue to be, taken to make sure the appropriate level of accountability and oversight is in place in the future across the organisation. However, this will be an ongoing process that will take time.

“I want to emphasise that this is an organisation in which people can have confidence. The people who work here are overwhelmingly decent, hard-working public servants committed to the best interests of the city. We are committed to getting to the bottom of any issues and ensuring we have best practice across the board. The changes are well underway – in fact it was in making these changes that we uncovered the alleged fraud.”

Dr Bidrose says the DCC has employment processes underway relating to a small number of staff, primarily around the lack of checks and balances which should have been in place. Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says the fact these issues have been found now after more than a decade shows the Council has been right to push for more transparency and tighter processes. “We tasked Sue, and the previous Chief Executive Paul Orders, with reviewing DCC practices so any problems or issues could be fixed as part of our accountability to ratepayers. Paul started with our companies and made a huge improvement in their governance and oversight. Now Sue and her staff are having the same impact inside the DCC.”

Dr Bidrose says a wide range of work has been completed to tighten up DCC processes, including:
● The introduction of a new Audit and Risk Subcommittee, with an independent Chair.
● All tenders that are awarded through the DCC Tenders Board are published on the DCC website for greater transparency.
● A central contracts register has been put in place.
● The ‘whistleblower’ policy has been updated.
● A first review of internal audit work across the DCC has been completed.
● The risk management framework has been reviewed.

Further work in progress includes:
● The appointment of a dedicated Risk and Internal Audit Manager. This position has been advertised.
● A fraud awareness campaign and training for all staff so they know what may be signs of fraud.
● Increasing further the transparency of purchase card use.
● A review of key DCC policies, such as those relating to fraud and cash handling.
● Review the procurement/tendering processes across the DCC.
● A review of internal processes around issues such as the staff receiving gifts, tickets or hospitality.

The Deloitte report has been sent to both the Serious Fraud Office and DCC insurers QBE. To date, the investigation has cost about $200,000.

Background: Citifleet is responsible for the management of all DCC vehicles, the operation of an internal courier service and an internal chauffeuring service. The fleet includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, vans and various trailers, plant and machinery. There are currently 122 vehicles, but the DCC is in the process of reviewing whether all those vehicles are needed.

DCC Link

—

█ What ex DCC chief executive Jim Harland thinks at ODT Online (3.9.14)

### stuff.co.nz Last updated 15:45 22/08/2014
Police probe into missing council cars
By Wilma McCorkindale – via The Press & Southland Times
Police will investigate a suspected fraud involving dozens of Dunedin City Council cars allegedly sold and the proceeds pocketed. Sources say ratepayers may have lost as much as $1 million as a result of the alleged activity. Dunedin Inspector Jason Guthrie confirmed police had received a complaint from the council “in relation to a significant historical fraud matter involving the council’s vehicle fleet”. “The complaint is being assessed and will be investigated further,” Guthrie said. This investigation was likely to take months. Stuff understands the council’s Citifleet/Citipark manager Brent Bachop, who died on May 21 in a suspected suicide, was among an alleged network of buyers. It is understood Bachop had been told that discrepancies had been found in vehicle numbers within his unit.
Read more

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

95 Comments

Filed under Business, DCC, Democracy, Economics, Media, Name, New Zealand, People, Politics, Project management, Property

Tagged as Accountability, Accounting practices, Asset lists, Brent Bachop, Cars, Citifleet, Citypark, Council department, Council staff, DCC, Death, Deloitte, Dunedin, Dunedin City Council, Finance, Fleet, Fleet vehicles, Investigation, Jim Harland, Money, New Zealand, Otago, Parking services, Transparency, Vehicles

by Elizabeth | August 10, 2014 · 9:08 pm

DCC: Public finance forum | Tuesday August 12, 2014

ALL WELCOME
Cr Richard Thomson provides venue details for the Public Finance Forum.

Event: DCC Public Finance Forum
Date: Tuesday, 12 August 2014
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Venue: Dunningham Room, 4th Floor, City Library, 230 Moray Place

Notes: Questions in advance to Cr Richard Thomson, Chair of Finance Committee (contact details below).

—

—– Original Message —–
From: Richard Thomson
To: Elizabeth Kerr
Sent: Sunday, 13 Jul 2014 at 11.04 AM
Subject: Public Finance Forum

Dear Elizabeth

when we did the last finance forum there seemed general agreement that it was a worthwhile exercise and I suggested that we schedule another for after that adoption of the annual plan. That has now ocurred and we have set a date of 12th August for this. I would be grateful if you could advise your network on What if of this. As last time it would be really helpful if people could advise questions in advance. Often they require specific information and if we have them in advance we can provide that on the night which is good for others there as well. I am happy for these to be forwarded directly to me. The meeting will be held from 5.30 to 7.30 on the 12th August. Venue to be confirmed but I imagine it will be the same room in the Council chambers as we used last time.

Regards
Richard [Cr Richard Thomson]

Mobile Contact: 027 2245739
Office Contact: 03 4770623 ext 12
Fax: 03 4774028

[richard.thomson @ xtra.co.nz]

—

Posted by Elizabeth Kerr

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DCC: Public finance forum | Tuesday August 12, 2014

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