In full - QLDC's charges against Niki Gladding
This is what QLDC is accusing Niki Gladding of prior to Tuesday's meeting
Here are extracts from key documents that will be used on Tuesday as councillors vote on an alleged Code of Conduct breach by Niki Gladding. Where possible we link to a download of the full document.
We also include a link to the Crux podcast where the council accuses Councillor Gladding of “not respecting the majority view of councillors.”
The summary of proposed actions:
The full report from council staff:
This July 2024 letter from Mayor Lewers to Niki Gladding complaining about her participation in a Crux podcast, wil also be part of the Tuesday’s extraordinary meeting.
“In a range of statements made by both you and Mr Newport, published as a podcast on Friday 5 July 2024, I am advised you made a series of disrespectful comments in relation to QLDC staff and failed to respect the majority decisions of Council. For clarity, I am familiar with the podcast transcript. I have been further advised that you have made several assertions, accusations and criticisms in the podcast. If you would like to raise any matter constructively within a credible forum, my door is open. I have no issue with individuals holding their own unique views and I appreciate this work is challenging, but the pathway to building trust and confidence in our community is not publicly undermining and criticising public servants. As a reminder, what constitutes good judgement, integrity and good governance can be found in the contents of the Code of Conduct we adopted in November 2022. Let’s continue to keep the focus on the real challenges facing the district.”
Nāku noa nā Glyn Lewers MAYOR
You can listen to the podcast here:
Episode 8 Niki Gladding full interview
QLDC councillor Niki Gladding has described a split between elected members and both the mayor and CEO, where the two sides don't meet or talk.
Here’s the complaint from Audit, Finance and Risk Committee Chair Stuart McLauchlan. March 26, 2026.
“Hi Glyn, I am writing to you in my capacity as Chair of the AFRC. I have been made aware of the actions of Councillor Gladding leaking confidential information to a third party and taking a position in public ( for or against the Council ) based on knowledge of confidential information. This is a clear breach of the code of conduct of a member of the AFRC and of a member of Council and as such I would like Councillor Gladding removed as a member of the AFRC.
Kind regards
Stuart Stuart McLauchlan Partner GS McLauchlan & Co Ltd Business Advisors & Chartered Accountants Level 1, Plaza House | 243 Princes Street | Dunedin 9016 PO Box 743 | Dunedin 9054”
My concept is that the elected representatives are the council and staff are functionaries required to execute the vision of the council. Isn't the tail wagging the dog here? Is it not highly irregular (and certainly undemocratic) that employed staff can bring a matter of this type before the council? If that step is not far outside their powers, we have a horrifying governance problem.
Actually ‘the pathway to building trust and confidence in our community is not publicly undermining and criticising public servants’ NO, it’s telling the truth in a timely and transparent manner’ Why don’t council ‘Leaders’ give that a whirl for a change?