Former environment minister Amy Adams was appointed to the $1654-a-day role by Local Government Minister Simon Watts last year after the Department of Internal Affairs deemed Waitaki’s solo delivery plan ‘‘sub-optimal’’.
However, the council voted to rejoin the joint council group Southern Waters in February.
Councillors are due to meet today for an extraordinary general meeting to consider Southern Waters’ constitution and appoint two representatives, after Gore, Central Otago and Clutha district councils approved Waitaki rejoining the water partnership.
Responding to queries from the Otago Daily Times, a council spokesman said yesterday the Crown facilitator had attended meetings online ‘‘when possible’’ to reduce costs.
The former minister’s appointment runs until the end of June, the deadline for an updated plan to be delivered to the government.
Yesterday, it was not clear whether her services would still be required.
‘‘Amy Adams has, when possible, attended meetings online and has been in regular contact with Mayor [Mel] Tavendale and the chief executive,’’ the spokesman said.
‘‘This has reduced the potential costs of the Crown facilitator due to be paid by council as set out in legislation.
‘‘Her appointment as Crown facilitator runs until June 30, 2026, and can only be ended by Mr Watts at the Department of Internal Affairs.
‘‘The current cost of her role supporting the development of our plan is $7076.25, ex GST,’’ the spokesman said.
