City councillors and community board members can claim back 74c for every kilometre they travel over 30km when they are going to and from council or board business in their own vehicles.
The rates are set by the Remuneration Authority.
Banks Peninsula representatives have to drive further to get to council-related meetings, because the wards cover a larger area.
Of the 28 community board representatives and 13 city councillors, only five board members and two city councillors claimed their mileage back, in total costing the city council $33,990.
Mrs Richardson, who lives in Pigeon Bay, serves on the community board, as well as other community, Environment Canterbury and council groups.
She said with the two Banks Peninsula community boards merging after October's elections, the amount of travel would increase.
Members would have to travel to Lyttelton, Little River and Akaroa for meetings, she said.
"For prospective members it will be considerably more travel."
Akaroa-Wairewa Community Board members Lyndon Graham and Janis Haley claimed $5431 and $1490.
Burwood-Pegasus Community Board member Linda Stewart and Spreydon-Heathcote city councillor Tim Scandrett (left) were the only ones to claim mileage back who were not representing Banks Peninsula.
Ms Stewart claimed $526, while Cr Scandrett got $385.
Cr Scandrett said he clocked up mileage travelling to Rolleston for his fortnightly Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meetings.
"We do a lot of running around, but in town it's short stints. On Banks Peninsula they do huge kilometres."
Ms Stewart said she claimed her mileage back over a six-month period, when she was living in Pegasus.
