Auckland City Mayor John Banks is playing Scrooge by limiting the councillors and senior executives' Christmas party to a $30-a-head bash catered by the staff cafeteria.
Last year, it was a $95-a-head sit-down meal at the Aotea Centre; this year, the top echelon and partners had a buffet
on the top floor of the Civic Building for about the same price as dinner at the Valentines chain of buffet restaurants.
The menu was a selection of meats, including ham on the bone, salads and a range of inexpensive wines and beer.
Community board members and their partners, who last year enjoyed the festivities at the Aotea Centre, were not invited.
Instead they were give $60 a couple to organise their own Christmas events.
The councillors' party budget was less than the $35-a-head subsidy given to council staff for their Christmas parties.
Mr Banks said Friday's buffet was a modest occasion, enjoyed by everyone. He ate some ham, chicken and coleslaw, and drank a can of Coke.
"I'm not going to make any apologies for being Scrooge-like," he said.
"I promised people I would spend their rates as if it was my own money ... I'm just trying to set the right kind of pitch."
Councillor Toni Millar said there was a huge difference between the parties last year and this year.
Last year was almost silver service; this year was more like everyday cafe food. But being less formal made it easier to mix and mingle.
Councillors Glenda Fryer and Cathy Casey did not detect much of a change in the food.
The frugal Christmas party follows another belt-tightening decision in which councillors opted against taking out membership of Air New Zealand's Koru Club, even though they are entitled to it.
Mr Banks said he would not be a member of any clubs, including the Northern Club, to which Mr Hubbard belonged at ratepayers' expense.
This has prompted chief executive David Rankin to review his membership of the Northern Club at a cost to ratepayers of $1000 when it comes up for renewal next year.
