Napier council’s $30,000 Christmas breakfast backed by mayor

Spending almost $30,000 on a staff Christmas breakfast and morning tea is being defended by the mayor and both mayoral candidates.

The figures were released on the Audit and Risk Committee‘s agenda under the Chief Executive Sensitive Expenditure for the quarter December 24 to March 25.

It shows a staff Christmas breakfast for 612 employees had a price tag of $29,508. On the same day, a depot morning tea cost $480 — $11 shy of $30,000.

The total bill for the quarter was $32,089 and included catering for a meeting, and the Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards.

However, Mayor Kirsten Wise says this type of expenditure aligned with the council’s internal policies on staff recognition.

"The Christmas breakfast was a small but meaningful opportunity to recognise and thank our hardworking staff for their dedication and contribution to the community throughout the year," Wise said.

"The event caters for all staff, including teams who work early shifts and continue to deliver essential services right through the Christmas period. The per-head cost of the breakfast is reasonable and a small token of gratitude for the commitment shown by staff.

"It reflects a commitment to maintain a positive, respectful workplace culture, where the efforts of our people are acknowledged and appreciated. It is disclosed transparently as part of the CE’s regular reporting on sensitive expenditure," Wise said.

Councillor and mayoral candidate Richard McGrath said he appreciated times were tough for many in the community.

"But I feel it’s important as a good employer to recognise and bring the organisation together at least once a year to show its appreciation for their past year’s service to the city and organisation."

Councillor and mayoral candidate Nigel Simpson said the event was a simple smorgasbord continental-style outdoor breakfast.

"Like many corporates toward the end of each year Napier City Council facilitates an optional end-of-year staff gathering," Simpson said.

"In our case, this breakfast has taken on more significance since our staff is split across more buildings and generally don’t have the opportunity to see other staff and enquire about their work etc.

"A previous CEO started this practice. Staff arrive before normal work hours, and most would be working by 9am.

"At that time of the day our utilities and services are under pressure so there are several staff dedicated to ensuring that services continue and they receive their own morning tea in recognition of their dedication."

He said he was surprised when the Audit and Risk committee received that expense.

"It was certainly more than I anticipated. Perhaps if we listen to Al Brown, filter coffee would be an option in the future to reduce costs."

A Hawke’s Bay caterer who provided 600 people with a cooked breakfast for Christmas was astounded at the price per head paid by the council.

"Our charge was about $22 per head for a cooked breakfast. Continental breakfasts are under $20 a head."

The council said it cost $48.22 a head for its breakfast which included logistics, set up, equipment hireage, staff, as well as food and coffee.

Chief Executive Louise Miller said the Christmas breakfast at McLean Park has been running since 2019.

"I have continued the practice. I’m incredibly proud of the work our staff do all year, and the annual breakfast is well deserved," Miller said.

"This is the only council-funded recognition of this nature our staff receive. It’s an opportunity for everyone across all our sites to come together with others they might not work with regularly."

The council was currently reviewing its structure and consulting on a proposal to reshape its operations which could result in more than 100 people losing their jobs.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.