Kiwi North China Trip 2026

Response

Sent: Tuesday, 3 March 2026 08:03 am
Subject: Official Information Request - Kiwi North China Trip 2026

I refer to your Official Information request of 19 February 2026 for information regarding landfill and transfer stations.

Question:

Council Meeting Attachments (page 39) that the participation cost is $5000 (excluding GST). Council approved $4550 (travel and accommodation) for the Mayor to attend this event. Why the difference?

Answer:

The Mayor is travelling as part of RotoruaNZ’s delegation. Operators incur higher costs due to additional expenses associated with their direct operational activities.

Additionally, the Mayor will be utilising the RotoruaNZ appointed translator while on the trip, resulting in a cost saving through shared translation services rather than engaging a separate provide.

Question:

Page 49 of the Council Meeting Attachments show the International Travel Policy. The ‘Next Review’ is stated as ‘1 December 2019. Has the Policy been updated? Are you using an outdated Policy?

Answer:

The policy shown in the Council meetings attachments was incorrect. The International Travel Policy (2016) was superseded by the Internation Relations Policy, which was adopted on 20 June 2025 (Review Date 25 June 2028). This policy includes a section covering international travel.

The policy’s review date indicates when a review is scheduled, however passing the review date does not invalidate the policy. The 2016 International Travel Policy (2016) therefore remained the operative policy until it was replaced by the International Relations Policy in 2025.

The correct policy will be added on Council's website under the Agenda for the Council meeting. Please find link to International Relations Policy as per Councils website.

International Relations Policy - (PDF, 120KB)

Question:

Studying the Draft Itinerary (pages 40+) I see in several places that ‘Rawiri Waru’ is mentioned. Who is paying his expenses?

Answer:

Mr Rawiri Waru is not an Elected member or a staff member of Council, therefore Council is not paying Mr Waru’s travel. And since Mr Waru is neither an Elected member of a staff member of Council, Council is not in a position to comment on who will be paying his expenses.