Six to head south for council conference

Meeting chairwoman Merepeka Raukawa-Tait (right) said the conference was well worth attending and a board member would be very welcome. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Five members of the Rotorua Lakes Council and one member of Te Tatau o Te Arawa Board will make their way to this year's Local Government New Zealand conference in Dunedin.

A decision to send six representatives was made at a meeting of the council's strategy, policy and finance committee today, but could cost the council about $10,000 for the privilege.

According to an agenda report the council has sent five representatives to the annual conference in the past - the mayor, deputy mayor, the chief executive and two councillors.

Councillors Karen Hunt and Janet Wepa will this year accompany mayor Steve Chadwick, deputy mayor Dave Donaldson and chief executive Geoff Williams.

Te Tatau o Te Arawa Board member Eugene Berryman-Kamp asked the council to also send a board representative. Councillors voted unanimously to accept his suggestion.

The cost for each delegate to attend would be $1410, not including airfares and accommodation.

Meeting chairwoman Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said the conference was well worth attending and a board member would be very welcome.

The board member would be able to take part in all aspects of the conference, apart from voting during the annual general meeting.

"There is a lot to be learned at these conferences," she said.

Councillor Rob Kent brought up the issue of cost to the ratepayer for sending the delegation.

Te Arawa Board member Ana Morrison said the board would be happy to cover costs for a member of its choice to attend.

The council also decided to make an official bid to host the conference in either 2017 or 2019.

Rotorua hosted the conference in 2015 with the location swapping between the North and South islands each year.

The next North Island conference is scheduled for 2017.