`Missing? Yes. But I've been in action' | Auckland News | Local News in Auckland

Sam Lotu-Iiga, the $200,000-a-year councillor and MP, defends his lack of attendance at school, suburban and city meetings to Joseph Barratt

Auckland's missing-in-action politician is defending his poor attendance record at school, business association and city council meetings.

Sam Lotu-Iiga draws $200,000 a year as MP for Maungakiekie and ward councillor for the same area with Auckland City Council.

The Aucklander reported on April 9 that Mr Lotu-Iiga had missed 12 of 22 council meetings since he began campaigning as National's candidate for Parliament in September last year.

There was criticism that the community deserved to have representation from two active politicians - not one, spread over two jobs.

Since those concerns about Mr Lotu-Iiga's dual roles were raised, further questions have surfaced over his positions as a member of the One Tree Hill College board of trustees and on the Onehunga Mainstreet business group's manage ment committee.

This week, The Aucklander met Mr Lotu-Iiga at a cafe two doors down from his new electorate office in Onehunga.

He confirms he has missed four of the last seven board of trustees meetings at One Tree Hill Col lege but says board members ``bring different skills to the table'.

``I am really proud of the achievements we have made as a board. While I might not be able to make it to every meeting, I work hard for them and they are really grateful for it.'

He says he brings a wide range of contacts to the board. He says his contacts helped make the newly renamed college's opening day a success.

``Even some of the old boys said it was one of the college's biggest days,' he says. ``It's my job as a politician to keep in contact and form relation ships with people across the spectrum.

``Even journalists that don't always write the nicest articles about me,' he says with a grin.

He also confirms he has missed almost every one of Onehunga Mainstreet committee's quarterly meetings since his election to the council.

Mr Lotu-Iiga is a member through his position on the council; the committee meets four times a year to set budgets.

Simon Randall, of Maungakiekie Community Board, is also on the committee. He says Mr Lotu-Iiga ``turns up to the large public meetings but not to the ones where the decisions are made.

``If I was a businessman, I would be concerned about him not turning up. There have been some really important ones that he has missed.

``Locals are missing out on two really active reps in the area because he insists on keeping the two jobs.'

However, Mr Lotu-Iiga says he's in regular contact with Onehunga businesses, knows all the issues and who is involved. ``They know they can call me at any time and I'm available.'

So, is he going to resign from his dual roles? ``No. It's about finishing the commitment that I started. Plus, I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I have if I was just a councillor or just an MP.'

Mr Lotu-Iiga says he has heeded public criticism but feels it has made too much of a trivial matter.

``Since that last story you ran, I've been to every meeting,' he says. ``Five out of five isn't bad.'

Actually, there have been three Auckland City Council meetings. He's attended those and plans to attend the next two.

Will Mr Lotu-Iiga run for the council at the next election?

He breaks into a laugh. ``You must be kidding? No way.'

14 05 2009