The Auckland Council has today acknowledged the cost of flyers sent to ratepayers from mayor Len Brown was $175,000 more than initially reported.
Around 500,000 copies of the flyer were sent out to Auckland ratepayers, even though one of Mr Brown’s senior advisors voiced concerns about the campaign, believing there were cheaper ways to get their message across.
The flyers were part of a campaign explaining Auckland's new rating system.
An NZ Herald Official Information Act request revealed council emails which stated the initial estimated cost of the flyers as being $200,000 – today the council have announced the final cost of the fliers was actually $376,774.
The emails show several council representatives saying the scheme is a good idea. However, Papakura District Council Chief Executive Theresa Stratton described it as "quite an expensive exercise".
She thought it would be cheaper to send the flyers out in the first rates mailout next month.
"Is there a reason why this is not contemplated? My experience is that stuff included in the rates notice envelope is much more likely to be received than a generic flyer (even if it is addressed)," Ms Stratton said.
3 News made contact with the council who have provided background information as to how the discrepancy between the two figures occurred.
The $200,000 figure was mentioned in an email from March and was an estimated cost. It was part of an overall budget for the campaign of $500,000.
The Herald says it sought an explanation from the council yesterday and a breakdown of the flyer’s large bill, but the mayor’s office refused.
NZ Herald journalist Bernard Orsman approached the council early yesterday morning with questions regarding the flyers, but they did not have the requested information, including the final cost of the fliers, on hand at the time.
The flyer’s content included a message from Mr Brown on the council’s cost-cutting measures, which have helped keep rates from rising steeply.
In the background information provided to 3 News it is argued the cost was justified as it was relatively small when divided by the number of ratepayers and the information provided was similar to the information a power company would provide customers if their prices changed.
Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says this is an "operational matter and should be left with the council and the mayor".
WhaleOil blogger Cameron Slater has blasted the mayor’s office, saying ‘lying by ommission is still lying’.
3 News