Ngāi Tūāhuriri representative Arapata Reuben has come under scrutiny after it was revealed he had not attended a single meeting of the Canterbury Water Zone Committee between 2023 and 2024, despite receiving his full $8000 remuneration.
Over the two-year period, Reuben missed all 14 meetings, offering apologies for four but failing to acknowledge his absence for the last seven.
According to standing orders, a committee member’s seat should be vacated if they miss four consecutive meetings without an apology, yet neither Environment Canterbury (ECan) nor the Ashburton District Council acted, citing an “ongoing review” of the committee’s future.
The Taxpayers’ Union has condemned the lack of accountability, calling for a refund of the payments.
ECan has now pledged to follow up on Reuben’s absences, while also acknowledging that usual attendance reviews were skipped due to the committee review.
Meanwhile, Reuben has continued attending meetings for two other water zone committees where he also receives remuneration.
