Tony Marryatt: Talent in Action.

There have been some wild claims made lately about the mysterious talents of Hamilton-based Christchurch City Council CEO Tony Marryatt (above, at lower left in the blue tie, in one of his rare public appearances). As anger over his outrageous pay rise boils over, many wonder about the nature of his influence over Mayor Bob Parker.

Like the vapid Mayor Parker, the answer's probably disappointingly simple.
Marryatt, seen here in action with His Worship, appears to employ a technique much like chicken hypnotism. Click picture to enlarge, decide for yourself.