Auckland Council has spent an average of $30,000 annually on food and drink at its meetings over the past five years.
The figures, released after a request from 1News, showed that between the 2019/20 and 2024/25 fiscal years, it spent close to $150,000 on refreshments for Governing Body and committee meetings.
Figures for the 2024/25 financial year remain incomplete, with one quarter of data missing due to the timing of the request.
The council defended its decision to provide light meals and snacks during long meetings at a cost to ratepayers, saying it supports elected members’ wellbeing and helps keep business moving efficiently.
General manager of governance Lou-Ann Ballantyne said the mayor and councillors would often spend an “entire day” in the Auckland Town Hall working through “long and complex” agendas with only short breaks.
“The Town Hall does not have staff rooms or communal kitchens, or a café, therefore does not lend itself to storing or reheating meals,” she said.
“Taking this into account, we choose to provide light meals or refreshments for elected members at meetings of the Governing Body held in the Town Hall.”
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds including Iran’s retaliation, Auckland Council’s catering cost, and the new way to look deep into space. (Source: 1News)
Catering is not provided by default, she said. The governance team considered whether meetings were scheduled over mealtimes, were scheduled back-to-back, or ran for more than three hours.
“A light meal is not usually provided unless the meeting is expected to last for more than three hours and occur over a mealtime. Otherwise, only tea, coffee and a light snack, is provided,” she said.
Different approach at council HQ
Meetings held at Auckland Council headquarters on Albert St did not require the same provisions as members had access to the council’s café and kitchenette facilities.
Ballantyne emphasised that cost was “always” a consideration when it came to the catering budget.
“We are very careful to make savings where we can at all times. Refreshments are provided by the council’s catering team, giving us the flexibility to adjust quantities when needed and never over-cater.”
She said elected members were expected to attend meetings and make “significant decisions” on behalf of Aucklanders.
“Providing beverages and light snacks, like a sandwich and fruit, is appropriate, aids wellbeing and productivity, and makes best use of their time.”
In 2023, Planning, Environment and Parks committee chair Richard Hills ended free lunches for that committee as part of the council’s moves to cut discretionary spending from the council, other council-controlled organisations and local boards.
