Mayor's credit review request declined

Len Brown continued to break rules after being warned by senior staff about his credit card reporting. Photo / Sarah Ivey

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The Auditor-General has told Len Brown he made mistakes with his mayoral credit credit card spending but will not investigate further.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown received a ruling from the Auditor-General's office today and said he had accepted their judgement that no further investigation into his credit card expenses was warranted.

"They acknowledge that I have made mistakes, but they are sufficiently confident in our existing audit arrangements. The letter states that the council's response is appropriate and there is no need for further involvement of the Auditor-General," Mr Brown said.

"I have acknowledged these same mistakes and reimbursed the council. I was confident that Manukau City Council's processes were robust."

A spokeswoman for the Auditor-General said it had sent the reply to Mr Brown today following his request for an inquiry.

Mr Brown called for such an inquiry during an emotional apology he gave to councillors last week, after it emerged he had spent his mayoral credit card on personal expenses, such as dinners and Christmas ham.

"Either you give me a break and let me have the opportunity of a fair hearing to get some justice, equity and fairness, or sink into a cesspit of political expedience. I leave it up to you," he told the meeting with councillors.

Mr Brown had continued to break rules after being warned by senior staff to provide correct documentation when using his council credit card.

Documents detailing $16,977.22 of Mr Brown's credit card spending since 2007 are littered with hand-written notes from the credit card administrator, such as "need receipts", "receipts/invoices lost again" and "still waiting on receipt".