By Tom Hunt and Thomas Manch for STUFF…
Outspoken Wellington city councillor Simon Woolf last week offered his resignation – and then withdrew it.
Son of well-known Wellington photographer the late Ron Woolf and Holocaust Centre director Inge Woolf, Woolf ‘s chief role on the council is promoting Wellington and he holds the city ambassador portfolio.
STUFF reported on Wednesday that Wellington Mayor Justin Lester had drafted a stinging letter accepting Woolf’s resignation as his patience had worn thin.
A draft letter released on Wednesday by the mayor’s office shows that Lester was ready to accept the resignation.
The reasons for the withdrawal were unclear. Woolf, when contacted by STUFF, declined to comment.
Earlier this month, Lester met with Woolf over his criticism of the rise in weekend parking fees. Woolf, who had voted against the increase, said he had been approached by Harbourside Market stallholders who said their businesses had been hard hit by the rise.
In the letter drafted 10 days later, Lester accepted Woolf’s resignation of his portfolios.
“I have diminished confidence in your ability to carry out your portfolios’ responsibilities in a professional way,” Lester wrote.
He cited concerns about his ongoing and “unacceptable conduct” with staff and fellow councillors. Further, he emphasised his primary concern was a “pattern of behaviour” in Woolf’s interactions with council staff.
“One of my jobs is to maintain standards of behaviour for councillors…from time to time they need reminding. I want to see some improvements in his behaviour.”
Lester said it was for Woolf to explain why his resignation no longer stood and that he was now confident Woolf would carry out his roles.
Read the full story on STUFF here.
