Critics claim the decision by the Auckland Transition Agency, which set up the Super City, to largely build a new system from scratch for Auckland Council was never properly evaluated.
"This is a shambles," Ms Crone said. "With over $1.2 billion wasted and nothing to show for it, the lack of leadership, oversight, transparency, discipline, and expertise is staggering."
She added: "Having worked in the IT and communications sector in senior management positions during my 20 years in business, I have never seen such gross negligence at all levels of project management, and heads must roll."
Another mayoral candidate, Labour MP Phil Goff, said the spend was huge and there clearly needed to be better political oversight and explanation for the blowout in costs.
"My constant experience of IT projects in Government is if you try to create a greenfields system, you get into trouble, whereas if you buy off a shelf ... you are in a much safer place," Mr Goff said.
Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance spokeswoman Jo Holmes said ratepayers would be stunned at this new level of waste and incompetence hitting them in the pockets. Per ratepayer, the amount spent on IT was almost $2500, she said.
"It sets a new low in Auckland Council's efforts to waste our money."
Ms Holmes agreed with councillor Mike Lee, who called the situation a scandal.
"Where is the accountability, the thorough examination of officials and public inquiry?" she said. "Councillors should be doing their jobs and holding officials to account for this ridiculous spending."
