Hamilton City Council has spent almost $50,000 on investigations into allegations involving sacked whistleblower Allan Halse.
Council organisation development general manager Olly Te Ua said the cost for Wellington-based consultants Top Drawer to investigate bullying allegations in May against Halse, who blew the whistle on an alleged culture of bullying and harassment at council, was $12,875. It has since racked up a $36,000 bill with city solicitors Tompkins Wake on an investigation that resulted in Halse being dismissed from his council job last month.
"Over the last two years we have invested significant effort and resources to develop a best practice anti bullying and harassment system. Part of this system includes using external independent experts to investigate formal claims of bullying," Mr Te Ua said.
Mr Halse's was a "very complex employment realtions case that we are taking very seriously as it has a significant impact on the people involved".
"We've required expert external advice to conduct this thorough investigation and ensure the correct processes have been followed."