Central Hawke's Bay District Council has opted out of a conflict of interest register, despite being advised to the contrary.
Stephen Mutch, a partner at Ernst & Young in Wellington who audited the CHBDC, reported his firm held discussions with key personnel at the council with regard to the issue.
"[We] have been informed that, after our recommendation to maintain a conflict of interest [CoI] register, the council has decided not to pursue this further as their assessment of the risk is minimal," Mr Mutch said in the report.
"We have recommended to council that steps be taken to clarify and establish a clearer framework as to what represents conflicts.
"The use of external advice to confirm the framework would be beneficial."