Queenstown Lakes District councillors, mayor, chief executive and Wanaka Community Board members spent nearly $49,000 in mileage claims between July 2008 and June 2009.
They also claimed $9217.03 for non-mileage expenses, including meals, accommodation and phone calls, according to figures released to the Otago Daily Times under the Official Information Act.
Mayor Clive Geddes claimed the highest amount of mileage. He drove 16,292km to claim $11,404.40.
He also claimed $1,605.62, mostly for meals.
He said about 40% of his travel was to meetings in Invercargill and Dunedin.
"The alternative is for the community to fund a mayoral car and I don't believe that is appropriate," he said.
Outgoing chief executive Duncan Field claimed $4075.24 for meals and accommodation, including $691.00 for a Hospitality GM's dinner in January.
His remuneration package includes a car.
Deputy mayor John S. Wilson was the most travelled councillor at $10,276.7, with $8925.7 in mileage and $1,351.56 in phone calls and meals.
Vanessa Van Uden was the cheapest, with no claims for mileage or other expenses.
"It's not because I don't think you should.
"I just haven't had time to do it.
"Councillors spend a lot of time and resources driving to meetings, so it's perfectly acceptable to claim for mileage," she said.
Cath Gilmour claimed $1621.20 in mileage and $240.92, mostly for phone calls.
She said the phone calls were only council-related cellphone calls.
"It adds up over a year.
"It's more than I would have thought, but it reflects my workload.
Being a councillor is my primary job.
"I've turned down paid work to be available as a councillor.
"I spend a lot of time chasing ratepayers issues and I can't expect my family to pay for that," she said.
Lyall Cocks claimed $8394.40 for mileage and $1554.85 in expenses, including phone calls and $928 for attending two conferences.
Leigh Overton claimed $4770.50 in mileage and $90.80 for parking and a taxi.
John Mann claimed $4625.60 in mileage, Lex Perkins $1300.60, Gillian MacLeod $730.80, John R.
Wilson $539 and Mel Gazzard $471.80.
All councillors except Mr Geddes, Cr Mann and Cr Macleod receive $25 a month for broadband.
The mileage rate is 70c per km and councillors are entitled to claim for travel between their homes and council offices on Gorge Rd.
Wanaka Community Board members' claims were:Jude Battson claimed $3122 for mileage and $298 in accommodation for a conference in Christchurch.
Carrick Jones claimed $1176 in mileage.
Dick Kane claimed $1149.40 in mileage, while Ken Copland claimed $611.80.
