The Ombudsman decided the council’s release of limited information about the contract extension was justified.
In April, council chief executive Sandy Graham accepted a one-year extension, enabling her to stay in the role until October 12 next year.
She had indicated she wanted a two-year extension.
Chief Ombudsman John Allen said the council had been "as transparent as it can about the reappointment process without breaching its obligation as a good employer to handle its relations with its employees with discretion".
"In my opinion, the voting record is information which pertains to the assessment of the CEO’s performance and I also consider that confidentiality fosters the effective functioning of the statutory review process."
Ms Graham was appointed chief executive in 2020.
In April this year, councillors had the choice of extending her contract by up to two years or starting a recruitment process to seek applications from the market.
They decided to offer Ms Graham another year and she accepted this.
Notable incidents from Ms Graham’s time as chief executive have included her insulting her employers — the mayor and councillors, sources said.
Minutes from the confidential April 3 meeting showed the council had to complete a review of the chief executive’s employment.
Mr Allen said he considered public interest considerations for disclosure of the voting, but these did not outweigh the reasons to withhold the information.
"Ultimately, councils are politically accountable to their ratepayers for decisions regarding the appointment and reappointment of chief executives."
