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Auckland's council-owned transport agency says a $35,000 staff party at the weekend was simply part of being a good employer.
The event at waterfront venue the Cloud, attracted 1700 staff and their families, at a time when the agency is seeking an $18 million funding top-up from the council. A self-styled ratepayer watchdog, Affordable Auckland, says the spending is completely inappropriate.
Auckland Transport chief executive David Warburton says the party cost less than was spent last year on Christmas functions held by separate agency divisions.