Rotorua council team-building event held

The Rotorua District Council's controversial team building evening went ahead without a hitch at the Energy Events Centre last night.

About 500 council staff were expected to attend the Rotorua District Council's "Celebrate Success" evening, reported to have cost the council $10,000.

The Daily Post had received a number of letters to the editor regarding the event, with many saying the council should be using the money on other projects.

Chief executive Peter Guerin said in a statement to staff the event was the first to be held by the council and was an alternative for staff who had missed out in recent years because council had cancelled three staff functions, including Christmas parties, because of economic pressure.

The event included staff member-of-the-year awards, entertainment and a presentation from senior council staff on the council's future direction and focus on economic growth.

Mr Guerin said costs for the event were kept low after some of the council's business partners helped stage the event.

However, long-serving Rotorua District Councillor Charles Sturt said he still believed the event should not have taken place and Mr Guerin was using council funds without councillors' approval.

"I have asked what budget it comes out of and have had nothing but deathly silence. This is serious and so insensitive on a day we should be remembering the passing of the 185 people in the Canterbury earthquakes. It's also insensitive in terms of the current situation where ratepayers are struggling in all facets of their life including paying their rates."

Mr Sturt said many staff did not want to be there and were forced to attend.

"These staff come from all facets of council's operation who do not want to be there at what they described as a feel good, back-slapping and brain-washing exercise."