Hide gives councillors the message on parties

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Auckland councils are going ahead with their "last hurrahs", despite a plea from Local Government Minister Rodney Hide to consider the tough economic times facing ratepayers.

Mr Hide wrote to Auckland mayors and chief executives after Herald inquiries revealed that the region's councils are in party mood and planning farewell functions before they are replaced with the Super City on November 1.

The largest council, Auckland City, intends spending $87,000 on a staff-only farewell bash and 32 smaller department dos.

Combined with $120,000 approved for a book chronicling the last 20 years of council history, the bill to ratepayers for farewell spending will top $200,000.

Mr Hide has urged councils not to spend money on expensive "last hurrahs".

"Many ratepayers are facing tough economic times; many are working longer and harder. Some have lost jobs," his letter said.

"It's my view that the best celebration of the contribution and history of each of the councils of the Auckland region is to focus on making the new Auckland Council, its local boards and the council-controlled organisations the very best in New Zealand," he said.

Yesterday, Auckland City Mayor John Banks indicated a review of the staff farewell would result in a cost a "long way south" of $87,000.

But he defended the $120,000 cost of a volume of council history since 1989.

Mr Banks said he supported saying thank you to staff at Auckland City, but with a modest alcohol-free morning tea with pikelets and cream and flowers for long-serving staff.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown said the council had taken no final decision about a farewell event, "but I believe a modest community-focused event would be in order, and we are examining options".

A Waitakere City spokeswoman said the council was proceeding with a $15,000 BYO event at Corbans Estate in Henderson for about 1000 staff and elected representatives.

Auckland Regional Council chief executive Peter Winder said "light refreshments" would be given to staff, and current and former councillors at the end of the last council meeting.

The Franklin District Council is proceeding with spending $19,900 on a book celebrating its 21-year history and a "very modest" staff-funded event planned by the social club.

The Papakura District Council is going ahead with a "fiscally responsible" cocktail party for current and former councillors and opening ceremony for the library and museum upgrade, and the Rodney District Council is planning a "prudent" function for about 500 staff, part-funded by the social club and council.

North Shore City Council has not decided how it will mark its final days.

END OF TERM SPLURGE

Auckland City Council: $87,000 for an all-staff function and a series of department gatherings, plus a $120,000 history book.

Response to Rodney Hide: Rethinking the $87,000 function.

Manukau City Council: A 10-day, $85,000 community festival.

Response: Discussing the matter next week.

Waitakere City Council: A BYO staff function and family day costing about $15,000.

Response: Going ahead.

Papakura District Council: A cocktail party for current and former councillors and an opening ceremony for the library and museum upgrade. Costs yet to be decided.

Response: Going ahead.

Franklin District Council: $19,900 on a book celebrating the 21-year history of the council and a staff-funded event planned by the social club.

Response: Going ahead with book and staff event.

Auckland Regional Council: "Light refreshments" for current and former councillors and senior staff. No budget yet. A staff and fundraising-funded function in October.

Response: Going ahead.

Rodney District Council: A free staff volunteer day with community groups.

Response: Going ahead.

North Shore City Council: Has yet to decide.

Response: Considering the letter.