Day of Democracy: Three warnings, and an apology in South Waikato

Friday, 6 March 2026

Matamata-Piako mayor Ash Tanner took centre stage at a meeting of the South Waikato District Council on Thursday.

In an ongoing series, the Waikato Times visits a council meeting and casts an irreverent eye over small town democracy in action - today it’s South Waikato District.

Matamata-Piako mayor Ash Tanner has warned his South Waikato colleagues to work together better, or face being replaced by a government-appointed commissioner.

Tanner addressed the South Waikato District Council during the council’s public forum on Thursday, a week after the same meeting was abandoned by mayor Gary Petley due to “unruly behaviour disrupting proceedings”.

It was one of three warnings, and one apology, given to councillors on the day.

The South Waikato District Council’s public gallery were warned against ‘disruptive outbursts’ at Thursday’s meeting, but that did not stop some from having their say.

Before opening the meeting, Petley addressed a full public gallery saying he expected them to “behave appropriately” and warned them not to shout out, be disrespectful, or disrupt proceedings as some did the previous week.

Once the meeting got underway, Petley began by making a public apology for his use of the ‘poo emoji’ during an online argument, for which he copped to a code of conduct ruling made against him by councillor Zed Latinovic.

“Online warriors, from the safety of being behind their keyboards, now have more access to elected officials and public service staff than ever before,” Petley said.

“By and large I accept this as part of my role, but on this occasion … and in the heat of the moment I hit back.

Councillor Zed Latinovic said his motion to have council workshops live-streamed should have gone ahead with ‘immediate effect’.

“I'd like to formally apologise for demeaning the role of mayor. My conduct was not befitting of the position, and that is something I deeply regret.

“I acknowledge the need to show greater self-control moving forward, and I will put steps in place to ensure I'm better in this space.”

Tanner then took the floor saying he felt the need to “come down and just offer some advice” to councillors from his time in local government.

He was concerned the council could end up being replaced by a government-appointed commissioner, similar to what occurred in Tauranga.

South Waikato district councillor Dave Shaw accused staff of ‘sleight of hand’ by delaying the live-streaming of meetings.

He said if they remained a “divided council”, they would waste three years, and “achieve absolutely nothing”.

“We don't have to be friends with each other, but when we come to the boardroom we have to be professional enough to get the job done for our communities.

“And it's not an easy task … but you need to respect each and every one of the positions that we hold in the community.

Councillor Michael Thomas wanted staff to be given more time to report back on the costs involved in live-streaming workshops.

“If it becomes dysfunctional … they’ll [government] kick the whole council out … and you will lose respect from every citizen that voted you into the positions you're in.

“So, just have a think about it. Respect each other. You don't have to vote with each other … move on to the next one, and shake hands at lunchtime.”

Meanwhile, the Waikato Times understands local blogger Bruce Simpson, who has been at the centre of two heated arguments over the recording of council meetings with Petley - both leading to Petley abandoning meetings - was told he had been trespassed from the council building, and was not in attendance.

One of Simpson’s supporters, Tokoroa’s Gordon Tricklebank, also warned councillors that Simpson could take legal action for not allowing him to film, which would leave ratepayers carrying the can for legal fees.

However, it was clear those warnings flew in one ear and out the other as outbursts from the public gallery, and arguments among councillors, continued throughout the meeting.

Three councillors proceeded to accuse council staff, and the rest of their council colleagues, of using delaying tactics to slow down the opening up of council workshops to the public, and have them live-streamed.

Councillor Michael Thomas wanted to change the wording of the motion, previously passed by council, to remove the words “with immediate effect”, to allow staff time to prepare a report, and hold a workshop in six weeks time, on the live-streaming of future workshops.

Thomas wanted to know how much it would cost, how long it would take to implement, and if staff were willing to appear on camera.

He said the original motion was “well intentioned”, and had been advised the council’s software and meeting infrastructure would need an upgrade to the tune of around $100,000.

Councillors Latinovic, Kerry Purdy, and Dave Shaw argued that staff had ample time to put a report together after the motion first came to council in November last year.

“I think this is a delaying tactic … do we have to wait another six weeks for a workshop?”, Purdy said.

“Staff have had … a lot of time to investigate this,” she said.

Shaw said the change was “slight of hand, it reeks of back room-ish deals, there’s no need to change or rescind this motion”.

Just Purdy and Latinovic voted against the change with Shaw saying he would vote for it but would be making sure it progressed without further delays.