'Blindsided': Napier’s Deputy Mayor stood down after fallout with leader

A relationship breakdown has played out at the top level of Napier City Council in an unprecedented way. 

Former Deputy Mayor Sally Crown has claimed Mayor Richard McGrath met with her on Monday, demanding she stand down - but she could remain as a councillor. 

He raised issues such as ‘a breakdown in the level of trust and loyalty’ required from a deputy, and claimed to have ‘observed conduct and actions’ that did not meet the standard expected.

Crown said he set a deadline for 5 pm that day, but later extended it to 5 pm Tuesday.

She did not back down - but instead decided to raise it publicly at a Council meeting.

Crown claimed it was a ‘gross miscarriage of due and just process’, and ‘this is the first time any concerns had been raised’. 

“He refused to discuss this with me and shut the meeting down within five minutes of me walking in. I was blindsided.”

She then put a motion forward for the Mayor to undergo communications training, and said the council was at risk from ‘seemingly ad-hoc, chaotic, and reckless decisions’. 

A judicial review is also being sought by Crown on the decision-making process. 

After the meeting, Mayor McGrath stood her down from the role officially, issuing a statement. 

“While I had hoped this matter could be resolved amicably, today’s events have shown that Councillor Crown has chosen not to take that approach.”

“There is no time for distraction or a lack of alignment. The community voted for change in leadership and they expect delivery.”

He then said an announcement would be made in the ‘coming days’ on a new appointment. 

However, Crown told ROVA News she was not officially informed that she had been stood down, and found out through the media. 

Crown now remains committed to staying on as an Ahuriri ward councillor, despite the news.

“I love my job, and I’m more than happy to step back into that role and just represent them to the best of my ability.”