She said the council's caterer also serviced its cafe and provided two options to councillors during their meetings which were a light refreshment, either morning tea or afternoon tea, and lunch.
Light refreshments are provided at a cost of $5 each and cover the cost of either tea or coffee and a snack, fruit, scone or biscuits. Lunch is also provided to councillors if they have deliberated for at least three hours. Lunch is provided at a cost of $18 each and includes five items such as a drink, piece of fruit and a sandwich.
"Catering for council meetings is evolving to reflect changing dietary needs and has slowly started introducing healthier snack options such as vegetarian as well as gluten, dairy and wheat free options," Ms Hopkins said in a statement.
The council's budget was less than the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's which was $52,000 for the 2016/17 financial year. For the same period the Tauranga City Council budget was $28,000 and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council budget was $15,000.
Deputy mayor Dave Donaldson said he believed the amount the council spent was appropriate.
He said the food provided had become "a lot less elaborate" than when he first joined the council in 2007, when alcohol was provided following some night meetings.
He said some food and drink was appropriate given councillors were required to maintain their concentration and energy levels for several hours, especially if going from one meeting to another.
"These meetings are quite draining and tension-laden, you can come out of them feeling quite drained . . . The catering that is provided is absolutely appropriate."
Mr Donaldson said although he had never consumed alcohol, "way back in the day" alcohol used to be served to councillors after meetings. However, now it was only supplied at events such as Christmas functions.
Mr Donaldson said it was not only councillors who were fed as the meetings often included guests giving presentations and it was "entirely appropriate" to offer them a hot drink and something to eat.
Rotorua Lakes Council meetings catering
- $33,157.50 over the past three years to May 25 (average of $11,052 a year)
- Morning or afternoon teas $5 a person including drink and a snack (fruit, scone or biscuit)
- Lunch $18 a person including five items such as drink, fruit and a sandwich.