Manukau to replace $85,000 festival with staff-only farewell

Manukau councillors have scrapped plans for an $85,000 farewell before their area becomes part of the Super City, and will hold a staff-only party instead.

Members of the policy and activities committee this week debated whether to go ahead with a major community festival.

The initial plan was to hold a 10-day celebration in October - to mark the achievements of Manukau since 1965 - in the run-up to the new Super City.

The $85,000 festival was to include youth events, drive-in movies, fashion parades, dances, displays and concerts.

In the end, councillors unanimously voted against it.

Jami-Lee Ross of the Howick ward, who says he was against the idea from the beginning, said the decision came after heavy media focus on how ratepayer money was being spent.

"I tend to think that the council doesn't have to spend all the money it has. I personally would have opposed any money going towards a farewell party - whether it be $8500 or $85,000.

"Things don't need to be done in a big way. There could just be a few words at the last council meeting and they don't have to spend thousands."

The decision also comes after Local Government Minister Rodney Hide said he would ask the council to reconsider its plans for spending ratepayers' money.

The $85,000 was left in the council's grants fund after a showcase promoting the annual ASB Auckland secondary schools' PolyFest was cancelled this year.

The money was then put aside for a Manukau City Council farewell party around May this year.

Mr Ross said he had lodged an Official Information Act inquiry to the council, asking how much the staff-only party would cost, after he was told at this week's meeting it was inappropriate that he asked such a question.

"I think it's all public money so I - as well as the public - have the right to know [how much is being spent]," he said.

Other councils about to go out of existence with the formation of the Super City are planning a raft of parties to say goodbye.

Auckland City will spend about $200,000 on a staff-only farewell bash and functions for 32 departments, and a $120,000 book on the past 20 years of the council history.

Steven Ross, manager of the Auckland City chief executive's office, said all 2500 staff would be invited to a function at the Town Hall in October.

The smaller functions would be held by the 32 departments to honour staff not offered jobs in the new city structure.

The Franklin District Council plans to spend $19,900 on a book about the 21-year council history. There will also be a staff-funded event.

At the Papakura District Council, former members will be invited to the final council meeting for cocktails and nibbles.

The Rodney District Council said it planned a day for staff to volunteer with community groups at no cost to ratepayers.

The Waitakere City Council has planned a BYO staff function and family day at a cost of about $15,000.

The Auckland Regional Council said it would provide light refreshments for present and former councillors and senior staff at a fundraising-funded function in October.

The North Shore City Council has yet to decide on a function.

WINDING UP
* Manukau City Council has scrapped plans for a $85,000 farewell celebration.
* The launching of Auckland's Super City on November 1 means the present councils will go out of existence.
* Other councils are planning a raft of parties to say goodbye, including Auckland City Council, which will spend more than $200,000 on a staff-only farewell bash, smaller department functions and a book on council history.

- ADDITIONAL REPORTING: NZPA