“And while we have great support from biz and iwi leaders the messages I’m now getting are vicious and threatening. I’m going to make a decision by 1700 Sunday.”Powell is not alone in considering leaving the council amid the toxicity and salty language. New councillor Jako Arbie said in messages to fellow councillors, “I regret getting into politics, it’s not my jam”. The infighting left Tauranga close to its second byelection within its first year sitting. “I think the community can feel disappointed in some personal comments by elected members including myself," he said.

Source: Stuff August 03, 2020 03:08 UTC