It's party time as councils say 'goodbye'

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The Auckland City Council intends spending $87,000 of ratepayers' money on a staff-only farewell bash and 32 smaller department dos before it is replaced by the Super City.

Combined with the $120,000 approved this week for a book chronicling the last 20 years of council history, the bill to ratepayers for farewell spending will top $200,000.

But the council will be getting a letter from Local Government Minister Rodney Hide asking it to think again.

Weekend Herald inquiries have revealed that the regional council and the seven city and district councils are in a party mood and are planning some kind of farewell celebrations before they are replaced on November 1.

The Auckland City Council's plans are by far the most costly, topping Manukau City's planned 10-day, $85,000 public farewell celebration, revealed by the Herald yesterday.

Last night, Mr Hide said he would be sending letters to both councils urging them not to spend money on expensive "last hurrahs".

He said he could not stop them spending the money but he was going to strongly advise against it.

"There is some silly spending going on in the washup, and I'll be writing to the councils reinforcing the message that ratepayers don't expect their money to be blown in a last hurrah."

The manager of the Auckland City chief executive's office, Steven Ross, said all 2500 staff would be invited to a function at the Town Hall in October.

"Light refreshments" would be provided for about $15 a head, and there would be a cash bar, with possibly one free drink for each staff member.

Mr Ross said the council had not had a function for all staff since a Christmas party about nine years ago.

"It will be the last time the whole organisation will be together. It's probably the first time they've been together in many, many years.

"It's really about commemorating what's been achieved by the city over the last 20 years. It's about thanking people for their contribution."

Mr Ross said smaller functions would be held by each of the 32 departments in honour of the staff who have not been offered jobs with the Super City.

It would be up to each section to decide how it celebrated, but the functions would have to cost less than $20 a head.

The council usually celebrated when a staff member was leaving or a milestone was achieved, and this was no different, he said.

The smaller functions would be spread throughout the final weeks of the council so the chief executive and general managers could attend.

The $87,000 budget was "part of normal running costs", Mr Ross said.

In Manukau City, independent councillor Sharon Stewart said she did not support the planned $85,000 public festival, but would be happy to pay $50 a head for a staff function.

Other councils yesterday revealed their less-extravagant farewell plans.

Franklin District Council is spending $19,900 on a book about the 21-year history of the council, and its social club is planning a staff-funded event.

Papakura District Council spokesman Mark Baker said former members would be invited to the final council meeting, which would be followed by cocktails and nibbles.

The Rodney District Council is planning a day on which staff volunteer with community groups. This will be at no cost to ratepayers.

CELEBRATING

Auckland City Council: $87,000 for an all-staff function and a series of department gatherings, plus a $120,000 history book.

Manukau City Council: A 10-day, $85,000 community festival.

Waitakere City Council: A BYO staff function and family day costing about $15,000.

Papakura District Council: A cocktail party for current and former councillors and an opening ceremony for the library and museum upgrade.Costs yet to be decided.

Franklin District Council: $19,900 on a book celebrating the 21-year history of the council and a staff-funded event planned by the social club.

Auckland Regional Council: "Light refreshments" for current and former councillors and senior staff. No budget yet. A staff and fundraising-funded function in October.

Rodney District Council: A free staff volunteer day with community groups.

North Shore City Council: Has yet to decide.