South Waikato councillor Zed Latinovic faces five code of conduct complaints

Monday, 18 May 2026

First-term South Waikato district councillor Zed Latinovic is facing five code of conduct complaints after being in office for six months.

A South Waikato district councillor facing five code of conduct complaints says “strong disagreements” are part of public life, and he’s well prepared to defend himself against his accusers - whoever they may be.

First term councillor Zed Latinovic, who in January lodged two code of conduct complaints against mayor Gary Petley and council chief executive Susan Law - one of which was upheld - has found he’s facing five complaints of his own.

Due to the confidential nature of the complaints the Waikato Times cannot reveal specifics. However, the council says all of the complaints, and the results of investigations into them, would be made publicly available in the coming months.

Latinovic made two code of conduct complaints against mayor Gary Petley and council chief executive Susan Law in January, one of which was upheld.

The first two complaints against Latinovic were lodged in March, with independent investigations already underway.

The Waikato Times understands at least one of the complaints came from a council staff member.

South Waikato mayor Gary Petley faced his own code of conduct complaint earlier this year over the use of the ‘poo emoji’ during an online argument.

Latinovic said he was notified on Wednesday that he was facing three further code of conduct complaints.

“The additional three are still somewhat of a mystery to be revealed … local government certainly remains interesting,” he said in a social media post.

South Waikato District Council chief executive Susan Law.

“I think the number of complaints now raises legitimate questions about process, culture, and especially the cost to ratepayers, particularly when multiple complaints are being raised within a relatively short period of time during a period where local government is already facing significant pressures,” Latinovic told the Waikato Times.

This comes after Latinovic made two code of conduct complaints against Petley and Law in January, which cost ratepayers $4312 to investigate.

The one complaint upheld was regarding Petley’s use of the ‘poo emoji’ during an online debate that turned sour.

The result was Petley agreeing not to make personal comments on any social media platforms, and to make a public apology - which he did.

In a statement, the council confirmed “there are active code of conduct investigations underway” but would not confirm how many, or what they related to.

“Council cannot comment on active investigations.

“Once the complaints have been fully investigated they will be brought to council. An exact timeframe isn't known yet.

“Processes of this nature do carry a cost. The amount isn't fully known at this time,” the council said.

Latinovic said he would continue in his role and wait for the results of the investigations.

“I will continue carrying out the role I was elected to do and represent the community to the best of my ability,”

“My focus remains on governance issues, council business, and matters that affect the community.”

He said “strong disagreement is part of public life”.

“Ultimately, the process will run its course, and I'll continue doing the job I was elected to.”