Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says he supports releasing more information about the almost $1.36 million the City Council has paid to Mahaanui Kurataiao over the past three years, saying the public is entitled to know what projects the money covered.

Speaking in an interview with chrislynchmedia.com, Mauger said he only learned of the issue this morning but agreed that greater transparency was needed.

Mahaanui Kurataiao is a resource and environmental advisory firm connected to the six Ngai Tahu Papatipu Runanga.

The Taxpayers Union revealed the payments through an Official Information Act request, but the Council declined to release a breakdown of the work, citing commercial sensitivity.

Mauger said he would prefer the Council publish the list of projects the consultancy worked on.

“I am the first to say I would like to see us spend less money on consultants, but it is a legislative thing that we have to do,” he said.

“I would still rather they put the invoices out there and tell people what the projects were. Not necessarily the time on each one, but give people a list of the jobs that they looked at. I do not see any problem with that at all.”

Mauger referenced a Brooksfield development on Glendovey Road as an example of when Māori environmental input is required, particularly where waterways and set back requirements are involved.

He said he would seek further information from staff following the interview.

Rates expected to rise, but new Council focused on reductions

Mauger said councillors were already working to reduce the expected rate increase for next year, currently sitting at about eight point six percent.

He described a recent councillors only workshop as “the best meeting we have had in six years”, saying every councillor was focused on cost pressures facing households.

“Everyone was well engaged on how we can look after that and get it down as much as we can,” Mauger said.

He said the Council would review its capital programme to avoid charging ratepayers for work the organisation could not realistically deliver.

“We should be looking at keeping it as low as possible,” he said.

Mauger said the Council was also preparing for the possibility of rate capping being introduced by the Government.

Parakiore opening date to be announced next week

Mauger confirmed Christchurch residents will be able to use Parakiore before Christmas, although he could not yet provide an opening day.

“Next week we will advise when it is open, but it will definitely be before Christmas,” he said.

The facility will also host the Special Olympics during the opening period.

Top Chinese leader to visit Christchurch for Rewi Alley museum opening

Mauger said Christchurch will soon host China’s third most senior political figure, who will attend the opening of a new Rewi Alley museum in the restored Municipal Chambers.

Mauger said the visit reflects significant Chinese interest in Alley, the Canterbury born educator and humanitarian who played a major role in New Zealand and China relations.

“I feel very honoured that he is coming down to see us,” Mauger said.