Local Government Minister Rodney Hide has declined to comment on the Dunedin City Council appointment to the board of the Highlanders franchise.
Mr Hide was asked whether he thought the council appointment to a professional rugby franchise was unusual, and whether a local authority should be involved in such an arena.
The New Zealand Rugby Union announced this week the council, which has bought Carisbrook and is part-funding the new stadium, would appoint a director, and the NZRU would retain its three independent directors.
A spokeswoman for Mr Hide said the minister did not wish to comment.
Government New Zealand said this week it was quite common for councillors to take on such directorships.
