Official Information Request - 22 June 2017

Response

Sent: Thursday, 22 June 2017 4:26 p.m.

Subject: TRIM: LGOIMA request - catering supplied by council

I refer to your email of 29 May 2017 requesting information with regard to catering for Council meetings, and reply below as per your email:

1. How much has been spent on catering for Council meetings, including fill Council and Committees of Council, in the last year?For the year 1 June 2016 to 30 June 2017 the catering cost for councillors for all council and committee meetings was $17,148.50
2. Why are such catering costs paid for by ratepayers?Catering costs are seen to be a cost of democracy. The council has many meetings during the year in order to lead the district. This means that at times full day sessions are required and therefore catering is provided. Total catering costs have reduced dramatically over the last 3-4 years. A large contributor to that has been the move to all meetings being held during working hours. Council has on-site caterers which means overheads are kept to a minimum.
3. How much has been spent on Green Room lunches, beer and wine, in the last year?See question 1 above. All councillor catering is served in the Green Room. The total spend on alcohol for all functions held at the Council administration building is allocated to a single cost code. We are not able to determine how much of this annual spend is for alcohol supplied to the Green Room. This part of your request is declined under section 17(e) of the Act "the information requested does not exist or cannot be found".
4. Why are Green Room catering and drinks costs paid for by ratepayers?See question 2 above.

We are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Regards