Concern over agency's $2.8m renovations

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The Auckland Transition Agency has spent almost $3 million renovating local board offices, raising concerns about whether the expense is appropriate or necessary.

Figures obtained by The Aucklander under the Official Information Act show the agency has spent about $2.8 million so far on renovations across the region.

"I think it's just a total waste of money," says former Waitakere Community Board chairman Kubi Witten-Hannah. "Even when we said to them, 'Don't do this', they still didn't listen. It's just the arrogance of not talking to people who might actually know about these things."

Auckland Transition Agency communications manager Wally Thomas said the renovations were necessary. He said 17 of the 21 premises were existing council facilities and the expense covered painting, rewiring and other costs.

Mr Thomas said the renovations were funded by loans from the former Waitakere City Council, Auckland City Council, Manukau City Council and North Shore City Council.

Inaugural ceremonies for the 21 local boards began on Tuesday this week and will finish next Monday, November 8. Only four of the ceremonies were being held in the newly renovated local board offices.