Council lacks transparency on Westgate/Massey North town centre project, says Auditor-General

Auditor-General Lyn Provost has flagged concerns about Auckland Council's lack of transparency in a major development ratepayers are contributing $200 million towards. Photo / File

Auckland Council should have been more transparent about a major development in West Auckland which ratepayers are contributing $200 million towards, says Auditor-General Lyn Provost.

A long-awaited report into the Westgate/Massey North town centre project was tabled by Provost in Parliament today.

One of the concerns raised with us was about the lack of transparency, in particular being unable to access information about the project, the Office of the Auditor-General said in a press release.

"In our view, Auckland Council could have made more information about this development available.

"It is important that local authorities strike the right balance between balancing commercial sensitivity, maintaining legal privilege as appropriate and being open with ratepayers and elected officials. Such openness allows public discussion and debate, and is essential to supporting public sector accountability.

"This exercise has highlighted once again the importance not just of making good decisions but also of being able to show that good decisions have been made," the release said.