Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Mayor considered quitting after 'clown' comments

Updated at 7:22 am on 10 November 2012

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker has revealed he considered resigning after Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee called him a clown.

In his book Ripped Apart; A City In Chaos Mr Parker writes of his time leading the city in the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes.

He says he weighed up leaving the job in the interests of the city when he heard the comments, for which Mr Brownlee subsequently apologised.

Mr Parker says the involvement of the Government in local decision-making is unusual and there is pressure in the relationship between the Government and the council.

Mr Parker also defended a $70,000 pay rise for council chief executive Tony Marryatt, saying it was entirely justified.

"The man had done an outstanding job through a very difficult time and all he was receiving was brickbats ... I felt somebody needed to try to put the record straight."

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