Open Letter

Council Withholds Key Facts

Mayoral Candidate Lisa Prager has accused CEO David Rankin and Group Manager of Democracy Services at Auckland City Council, Christine Watson of stalling and failing to providing details of the amounts paid to contractors for core council services via an Official Information Request.

Last month Lisa Prager revealed to the media that $90 million was paid for consultants and a further $30 million on temp staff by Auckland City Council

Following up Ms Prager asked for more details of what council services where contracted out, to whom and how much was paid for these services.

The original request covered all 64 council services, however Ms Prager revised the request targeting only 16 key areas ( see attachment above) to make it easier for council staff to answer.
 
Promises and excuses for NOT provide this information by Christine Watson has been on going and yet nothing has been forth coming.

“This culture of confidentiality and secrecy must stop.” said Ms Prager “Where is our money going, the public have a right to know”
 
Lisa Prager believes that the public money wasted on consultants is just the tip of the iceberg. “Rates do not need to be increased, spending needs to be brought under control” said Ms Prager

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To Christine Watson
Group Manager
Democracy Services
Auckland City Council

Hi Christine

Please find the council services I would like information on under the IOA. They appear in this attachment underlined in red.
I do require this information under urgency as outlined in my request.

I do not consider it is appropriate to be charged for this public information, especially with the strong public interest during the current local body elections.

The spend of $91 Million of ratepayers money on consultants suggests that this essential information should be readily available.
Many Thanks

Regards
Lisa Prager
Mayoral Candidate

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