Referendum options clouded by unsubstantiated information

Spreading incorrect information during a binding public referendum might not be illegal, but it's certainly not helpful to the democratic process, say supporters of Whangarei proposed Hundertwasser Wairau Maori Art Centre (HWMAC).

In a Radio New Zealand interview this morning, electoral officer Dale Ofsoske told to reporter Lois Williams that although rival project promoter Wally Yovich had clearly contradicted the impartial and approved referendum information, he had not committed a crime.

Mr Ofsoske said people could make whatever claims they like during a referendum or election campaign and that courts have ruled in the past that even lying was not an offence.

Mr Yovich has claimed in print and on radio that his project (Harbourside) will be profitable and that the Hundertwasser art centre will make a loss. Information supplied with the referendum packs state the opposite; that Harbourside is forecast to run at a $420,000 per annum loss, while the HWMAC is expected to operate at a surplus of $520,000. The figures are based on several reports, the most recent feasibility study conducted by international accounting firm Deloitte.

Hundertwasser art centre supporters urge voters to take the electoral officer’s advice and carefully read the information provided. While all options require some ratepayer money, only Option B: Hundertwaasser Wairau Maori Art Centre is capable of being profitable and making a positive contribution to the future of economically depressed Whangarei.

Since the Radio NZ story aired, HWMAC backer and Whangarei lawyer Ian Reeves (Prosper Northland Trust) has said “Mr Yovich has made extraordinary statements, against all logic and research. We urge voters to read the information they received with their referendum packs and vote for the option that offers Whangarei the most positive future.”

Supporter group YES! Whangarei acknowledge past politics have made it difficult for people to evaluate the new community-led HWMAC project with fresh eyes. The successful YES! campaign has focused on spreading positive and clear information and had been rewarded with an influx of new supporters and an outpouring of community ‘artivism’ around the streets of Whangarei.

Refer to Radio NZ interview with Lois Williams here and Radio NZ follow-up article here.