Nearly $84,000 spent on health group in year

The politically-appointed group involved with the Dunedin Hospital redevelopment incurred fees and expenses of nearly $84,000 in a 12-month period, an Official Information Act response shows.

More than half of it went to the group's chairman, Andrew Blair, who received more than $35,600 for 35.19 days' work.

Mr Blair is paid $1000 for each day he spends working on the project.

He also claimed more than $10,900 in travel and other expenses.

Ordinary members of the group receive $800 per day.

Margaret Wilsher, of Auckland, received $6150 for 7.69 days' work. Her travel and expenses totalled more than $5000, an average of $658 for every day spent working on the project.

Tony Lanigan, of Auckland, claimed $7450 in fees for 9.3 days' work.

Mr Lanigan claimed $3864 in travel and other expenses - $415 for every day spent on the project.

Richard Thomson, of Dunedin, claimed $7400 in fees and more than $3500 for travel and expenses.

Andrew Connolly, of Auckland, worked just one day on the project, but incurred travel and accommodation expenses of more than $3000.

The group's total fees and expenses over the 12 months to March 10 was $83,935.

Called the Southern Partnership Group, four of its five members live in the North Island.

While the Ministry of Health directly oversees the redevelopment, the partnership group provides a governance role.

Mr Blair recently defended the level of progress on the delay-ridden project.

''When you're looking to spend hundreds of millions of dollars of public money, I make no apologies for the fact we're going through a rigorous planning process.

''The reality is we've only got one chance to get this right and the decision we make will impact the Dunedin and wider southern community for the next 40 to 50 years,'' Mr Blair said in a statement earlier this month.

Later this year, Government ministers will consider an indicative business case compiled by the ministry and partnership group.

• CLARIFICATION: Andrew Blair billed for only one day, but carried out more days' work than charged, the Ministry of Health has clarified.