The majority of Tararua District councillors have been "pretty good" in attending workshops and monthly meetings, district mayor Roly Ellis says.
"We've never really had a problem with attendance," he said. "Yes, some may have missed a morning workshop, but the only really acceptable excuse for missing a monthly council meeting as far as I'm concerned, is a death in the family or if someone is ill."
Mr Ellis said he had only missed one council day [morning workshop/afternoon council meeting] in his six years as mayor - because of ear surgery.
"There's no requirement for councillors to attend citizenship ceremonies, it tends to be up to the councillors in each particular ward," he said.
South ward councillor and deputy mayor Bill Keltie has the lowest attendance at council.