To the editor
I appreciate the opportunity to comment belatedly to the comments of Rogers Rabbits (Brian Rogers) and reveal a little of 'Conspiracy Unravelled”. The space provided is too small to clarify all but is an opportunity to partially reply to some items raised.
Rates: This is straw clutching (Point 1 and 2)
I paid my rates even though TCC owed me $300,000. A professional deposited funds to the wrong bank account (after eight years), when I knew I advised TCC Rates department (before they knew) and the bank advised TCC to re-present the cheque.
This personal information being placed in the public arena is unacceptable; the real question is why.

Before being a TCC Councillor (point 5)
In 2005 TCC wanted to place a new water pipe on my property, design to completion would take 18 months (promised), they actually took five years! The delay cost me $300,000 (not been reimbursed, confirmed by Simon Collett partner HOBEC solicitors), completion was 2010 still under construction.

Commissioner payments (point 6)
A commissioner is someone who reviews and decides on RMA applications etc. Some existing Councillors are commissioners. I presented a motion to Council to seek that only independent commissioners be permitted.
Using Independent commissioners and a change in council policy would have lead to savings to the Ratepayer. Nearly all hearings would be paid by the developers or RMA applicant; due to Council and its Councillor commissioner not having a conflict of interest and double dipping with Councillors and Commissioner payment being paid to them.
Water pipe Commissioner cost $13,000 (point 6 #2) The hearing required was for only two hours to review the TCC application for a water pipeline across my land. As the defendant TCC had to pay the independent commissioner.
TCC staff had numerous meetings with the commissioner prior/after the hearing.
I wanted to appeal the decision through the courts, Mayor and CEO didn't want an appeal. A settlement was offered including a 'gagging” clause. Nothing more can be discussed.
TCC's first path for the pipeline was through a neighbour's property, who fiercely rejected it, but TCC did not pursue this legally, why?
Drink driving (point 7)
Breath alcohol reading 520, limit 400. I pleaded guilty. These days I do not drink at all and that includes the Councillors' Lounge. Unlike a number of councillor that indulge at the ratepayer expense. I much prefer to return home to spend quality time with my 11-year old daughter.
The real Council meetings recorded (point 8) They really happened before the actual council meetings in the Councillors' lounge. Few are invited! No one present seems keen to be reminded in public of what was recorded, Why?

A case of 'vexatious” firearms - 01/07/2009
(point 9) I advised the Mayor of a previous conversation being recorded in the Councillors' lounge, within nine hours the three present (Mayor plus two Councillors Faulkner and Baker) laid complaints with the NZ Police over firearms.
It seems beyond coincidental that all of the above happened? (I have extensive weapons training and knowledge of Safety - NZ Army).

Greerton Library (point 10)
I am an engineer (NZCE) Civil & Mechanical, own/operate a Geotech lab for over 10 years. A consultant reported on the 10-year old Greerton library building that it leaked, the building was to be demolished and replaced at a cost of $10m. A Senior Engineer and I located the minor leak (quote to fix was less than $10k)
The CEO and Mayor instructed Library staff to watch everything we did then report back on our work (unpaid). Savings to ratepayers $9.980m!
The Mayor emailed a complaint that was allegedly written by Library staff. On my return to the library with it, all denied writing it.

Asking pertinent questions = controversy. Controversy is created by following the nearest ambulance, there is no investigation, verification or evidence, should the latter occur; a different path and result by now would have been revealed.
I freely admit that I have asked difficult questions of officials and others because it does not add up (eg. Greerton Library $9.980m, Mt Greens $26.5m etc, Cossie Club 6.5m payment for only 200 car parks). I will ask questions until clearly & transparently answered.

Hearsay and half truth = wrong answers
As the article appears is only hearsay and the result is to fabricate controversy. If there was proof of these statements then where is it?
Legal battles with TCC (point 1, 2, 6 #2) The only 'legal battle” with TCC started prior to being a TCC Councillor and resulted from significant costs to me as a result of TCC not completing the water pipe design on time.

Mines are intended to harm others
Minefields - normally laid by an enemy defending a vulnerable position, the rabbits claims are looking in the wrong direction.
Reimburse expenses (point 1, 2, 6 #2)
My expense claims of $4600 were for a 30 month period. They were paid after I left for a holiday to the USA with my daughter.
No one in PICK 6 knows of any agreement made in 2007 pledging that there would be no expense reimbursements? Nobody has provided any evidence to back up this statement as yet. This can only be mischievous of intent by parties 'unnamed”.
Cr Hayden Evans.