The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority is defending its decision to spend $25,544 on a work trip for two of its staff.
Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
CERA deputy chief executive of communications, Mike Shatford, and CERA team leader for events and visits, Michael Henstock went on a trip to India and Sri Lanka last year as part of a trade mission led by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
Information obtained under the Official Information Act shows CERA spent $18,315 on airfares and $3504 on accommodation.
In a statement the authority said the trip was an opportunity to build links with governments and companies in the two countries for the benefit of Christchurch.