I’m very pleased that the Kaipātiki Local Board supported my proposal to end ratepayer-funded lunches for Local Board members, although I’m disappointed that two members stormed out during the discussion.
Since 2010, Kaipātiki Local Board members have been provided with ‘free’ catered lunches during daytime workshops that last for more than four hours. With 2-3 workshops per month of this length, and lunches costing around $180-$220 per workshop, the cost to ratepayers is approximately $3960-$7260 per year (11 months).
This is not a new topic for me – I’ve spoken out against catering for elected members many times, and managed to get a similar resolution passed by the Local Board in 2011, although it was routinely ignored.
So I’ve called time on this unnecessary luxury and urge other Local Boards and parts of Council follow suit.
Background:
* From Nov 2013 to May 2016, the Kaipatiki Local Board spent $11,337.48 on catering.
* Current spending estimate is $3960 to $7260 per year (11 months), based on $180-$220 per workshop.