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The Ombudsman investigated workshop practices at councils across New Zealand, excluding Auckland, amid concerns that decisions were being made behind closed doors.
Although he found no evidence of this, he noted that closed-door workshops could undermine transparency and “go against the principle of openness.”
The Chief Inspector’s report noted that “a general policy of not promoting workshops or closing all workshops may not be justified”.
Since the ombudsman’s report was published and adopted by the council, six local boards have begun allowing the public to attend.
They are Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipatiki, Waitakere Ranges, Hibiscus and the Bay, Rodney and Waitemata.
Manurewa Local Board chairman Matt Winiata said the factory would open its workshops to the public from October 1.
People can attend in person or watch via livestream, he said.
Viniata said if some matters are confidential, they will be discussed behind closed doors at the seminar.
Other local councils in South Auckland – Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Howick, Franklin and Papakura – are still discussing the option and will make a decision soon.
LDR is a local news organisation jointly funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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