Dave Burgess at the Dom Post has done a good write-up of yesterday’s council meeting.
The big item on the agenda was the proposal (tabled by Celia) to bring Wellington Waterfront under the direct control of the council.
Celia lost, in a most embarrassing fashion.
…she could not muster the numbers and ended up voting with her opponents. She did not speak again at yesterday’s meeting once her amendment was dumped.
The problem here is that Celia seems simply unwilling to do the political ground work she needs to do. The left and right are pretty much evenly split on council and she has made no attempt to bring in extra support where she needs it.
“In the end, it is up to each of us in our own responsibilities. I’m not into herding cats or sheep, or whatever particular species you feel you represent.”
Really, Celia? Not only are you so lazy that you’re not going to push councillors to support important policy, but you’ll also insult them in the process. Great way to make friends.
WCC Watch 
I’m unclear why the vote yesterday has been described as “another political failure for Celia”.
Celia has successfully bought a constructive and open approach to Council including ensuring that all elected members have a significant role and ensuring that the Owhiro Bay sections are kept in Council hands.
In the context of yesterday’s debate, she was certainly not insulting colleagues but simply acknowledging that every councillor has the right to make up their own mind on any issue which is as it should be. She is certainly not lazy, working very long hours on city issues and to consult with colleagues.
The vote yesterday should only be seen finally as an interim step. Those who voted for the waterfront company’s continued existence did not believe public consultation was necessary on the issue. Some councillors (including myself) felt otherwise and look forward to the public having a say on the waterfront Framework and future of the company later in the year.
It’s considered a failure because she lost a vote. The mayor losing a vote could reasonably considered a failure. Prendergast’s greatest strength was her ability to broker deals and get her agenda through.
Mayors don’t have any actual power themselves – how powerful they are depends on whether or not they can influence colleagues. If a mayor can’t get the numbers to back her policies then that is a failure.
Btw I think/hope you mean brought rather than bought.