By Claire Taylor, Local Democracy Reporting
Mackenzie District Council office in Twizel.
Photo: LDR/Claire Taylor
Police have confirmed they are investigating an allegation of assault following an incident at the Mackenzie District Council offices last week.
A police media team spokesperson said the incident occurred at 10.50am last Thursday (April 16) at the council offices in Fairlie.
“I can confirm we have received a report of an alleged assault and enquiries are in their very early stages.
“We don’t have any other information or comment we can provide at this time,” they said.
A Mackenzie district councillor was absent from today’s meetings after allegations of assault.
Photo: LDR
One councillor, absent from Tuesday’s council workshop and a three waters committee meeting held later in the day, was contacted by LDR for comment but refused to discuss either the incident or their absence from council meetings.
“Oh no, no comment … can’t talk about that, sorry,” they said.
When asked specifically about the councillor’s absence, a council spokesperson said: “I am not authorised to provide any further information.”
Chief executive Angela Oosthuizen confirmed there had been an incident and said it was under investigation.
“There was an incident at council offices last week involving an elected member.
“The matter is subject to an investigation in line with Council’s Code of Conduct, and it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail at this time.”
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.