A Dunedin delegation's trip to China is costing ratepayers about $27,000, the Dunedin City Council has confirmed.
The five-strong delegation headed by Mayor Dave Cull departed on Friday and is due back in Dunedin on July 27, following engagements in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Qingyuan.
Mr Cull is being accompanied on the trip by deputy mayor Chris Staynes, DCC chief executive Sue Bidrose, Enterprise Dunedin Project China co-ordinator Hui Zhang and Film Dunedin co-ordinator Antony Deaker.
The wives of Mr Cull and Cr Staynes are also travelling with them, but will be paying their own way, as will Cr Staynes.
A council spokesman confirmed on Friday the trip would cost the DCC about $27,000, including flights, accommodation and internal travel.
The delegation aimed to strengthen mutual friendship agreements, as well as business, technology, film and education ties in China, and was longer because of the number of centres and engagements involved, he said.
While in Shanghai and Beijing, the delegation would also mark the 25th anniversary of the Dunedin-Shanghai sister city relationship and the University of Otago's 150th anniversary.
Related Stories
Comments
Declares "Climate Emergency" one week.
Flies off on an extended rate payer funded jaunt to China the next.
Nailed it. Cull gets the 'hypocrite of the week' award.
Has anyone asked why he couldn't do a carbon emission friendly video conference?
Proactive. Should there be an Emergency, all systems are Go.
Trade with China brings in billions to NZ.
Stop using reasoned arguments. There's no place for them on this forum.
Longer than usual?
Why? Did he just want more time to sightsee on the ratepayers teet before he bows out of the trough his snout has so happily gorged upon?
Disgraceful
Seems it is cull's last hurrah so he is making the most of it.