Invitations were sent this week by Otago Regional Council chairwoman Cr Gretchen Robertson for dinner at Dunedin’s Distinction Hotel after a council meeting on Wednesday.
At the meeting councillors are expected to approve the council’s long-term plan and a 16.6% rates increase for next year.
Cr Robertson told the Otago Daily Times after feedback was received on the dinner plans, councillors would now be expected to pay for their meals themselves.
Cr Gary Kelliher said he was appalled the suggestion ratepayers would pay had been made in the first place.
"I have to point out that it is likely enough councillors will be voting for the LTP [long-term plan] and it is a horrific rates increase in a time when there is genuine hardship out there — very tough economic times," he wrote to Cr Robertson at the time.
"So to propose a celebratory dinner for councillors to pat themselves on the back for this, funded by the ratepayers who have no ability to say no to the rates increase, is to me a very poorly considered action.
"Alongside a poor use of ratepayers’ money, it is a very bad look for this council."
Cr Kelliher later told the ODT ratepayers deserved better.
"It is totally hypocritical to be determined to, year-on-year, increase rates, ignore the pleas from all those who genuinely can’t afford this and then treat everyone to a dinner with a portion of other people’s money.
"I’m involved to play my part at the council table and around the region for my constituents, not socialise out on the town in Dunedin with councillors who don’t listen to the ratepayers."
Cr Robertson had "backed down but only because I challenged it", he said.
His main issue was it was considered an appropriate thing to do from the outset.
"Massively shunt up rates and then a lavish dinner out to celebrate it."
In an email inviting councillors to the "end of financial year dinner", Cr Robertson thanked councillors for the "significant personal time" they had sacrificed as elected representatives.
"Wednesday will see the LTP presented to council and this has been a big process for council this year.
"It’s timely to come together, recognise this milestone and perhaps have a bit of a clink of glass for Kevin’s [Cr Kevin Malcolm’s] commitment to leading this project."
The evening was to start at the nearby Steamer Basin Brewery & Taproom.
However, councillors were asked to pay for their own drinks for the evening.
After the invitation and accompanying emails were sent to the ODT, Cr Robertson said the dinner proposal was "not about celebrating the outcome of the long-term plan, or the end of the financial year, but a time where councillors could support each other by sharing time together as colleagues".
"These interactions can lead to increased collaboration and establish positive, productive workplace culture.
"That is something all organisations benefit from."
Because councillors came together from all over Otago, they "very seldomly get a chance to have a decent chat", he said.
"When councillors are together, meetings are tightly scheduled to maximise precious time together and ensure costs are minimised."
As at other organisations, the council reimbursed mileage, travel and accommodation for councillors.
"The biggest cost for a large region like Otago is mileage.
"It is up to individuals whether they choose to make claims, but it is absolutely fair when they do."
The Distinction Hotel’s website says its restaurant serves delicious cuisine with outstanding service.
Among the main courses on offer, the Central Otago lamb rump costs $42.
