Council costs revealed

14 Aug 2025 • By Chris Gardner and Mary Anne Gill

Four councils covered by Good Local Media’s community newspaper network spent nearly $56,500 travelling to the Local Government New Zealand conference in Christchurch last month.

Ōtorohanga, Waipā, Waikato and Waitomo district councils sent 23 elected members and staff including two people who are stepping down from council – Ōtorohanga mayor Max Baxter and his deputy Annette Williams.

Max Baxter, left, and Annette Williams swansong at Local Government New Zealand conference.

The conference was held over two days – July 16 and 17 – and there was a welcome on the Tuesday night before the conference started and an awards dinner on Thursday night.

Jacqui Church

Waikato spent the most – $18,292 sending eight people – including five elected members. Mayor Jacqui Church, deputy mayor Carolyn Eyre, councillors Eugene Patterson, Lisa Thomas and Tilly Turner. Thomas and Turner attended the Te Mariata Hui held prior to the main conference.

Three staff members from the Maaori Partnerships team attended to “strategically network with councils across Aotearoa and build the profile of Waikato District Council, strengthen their understanding of the machinery of local government, and learn about new models of delivery to better connect with our communities,” the council’s Official Information officer said.

Ōtorohanga spent nearly $17,540 sending five people – including chief executive Tanya Winter, Baxter, Williams, and councillors Katrina Christison and Jaimee Tamaki.

Carolyn Eyre

Baxter and Williams did not respond to requests for comment but sources say they spoke at the conference about the importance of local voices in decision making.

Northern neighbour Waipā spent $17,900 in airfares, expenses and accommodation for mayor Susan O’Regan, councillors Dale-Maree Morgan and Marcus Gower, chief executive Steph O’Sullivan, group manager Strategy Kirsty Downey, project lead Vanessa Honore and mana whenua representatives Gaylene Roberts and Poto Davies.

Award presentation: Ngā Iwi Toopu o Waipā’s Maria Huata (Kirikiriroa Kaunihera), Waipā Māori ward councillor Dale-Maree Morgan, principal strategic planner Vanessa Honore, group manager Strategy Kirsty Downey, mana whenua representatives Poto Davies and Gaylene Rob-erts, Te Awamutu-Kihikihi councillor Marcus Gower, Beca communica-tions advisor Regan Powell. Photo: Mark Tantrum

Waitomo chief executive Ben Smit and mayor John Robertson attended it all at a cost of $1587 each in conference registrations, $640 each in airfares and $516 each in hotel fees. It also covered taxi fares and airport parking.

Waikato Regional Council voted to walk away from LGNZ’s $122,000 annual bill citing its lack of relevance and left wing activism but rejoined after the conference when chair Pamela Storey used her casting vote.