18 September 2025
Official information request 8140017148
(Please quote this in any correspondence)
John Luke
By email
: [FYI request #32181 email] Tēnā koe John
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA)
RE: Manurewa Local Board
Thank you for your official information request which we received on 31 August 2025. The
specific details of your request and our response is below:
"The Selangor State Exco, YB Tuan Ganabatirau Veraman had a fruitful meeting
with Mr Fale Andrew Lesa, City Councillor of the Manurewa Local Board -
Auckland City Council & Samoan Native United Nations Diplomat and the Special
Officer to Jacinda Prime Minister of New Zealand at Selangor State Secretariat
Building (SUK) Shah Alam.
During discussions both sides covered entire breath of bilateral cooperation &
held productive discussions on strong partnership between the State of Selangor
and the Government of New Zealand."
I would like to understand whether the City Council is aware of this meeting. Was
it conducted with the Council’s approval? Additionally, has any funding or fees
been approved to support his attendance?
Based on the post, the meeting appears to be an official engagement. What is the
protocol for a local board member to represent New Zealand or Auckland in such
a context?
I would also like to request access to the relevant policies and procedures
regarding this matter. If the meeting was not approved by the Council, what
processes and protocols are in place to address such instances of potential
misrepresentation?
Staff have no record of Member Andrew Lesa being specifically approved to attend the
meeting cited by the requestor. We note however that the Facebook story mentions his
credentials as an elected member, not specifically that he attended as a representative of
Auckland Council.
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 |
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |
Ph 09 301 0101
Council has no record of any expenses claimed by Member Lesa for this event. All elected
member expense claims are subject to manager approval and is recorded in our financial
systems. A copy of council’s elected member expense policy including travel can be found
here.
The decision on behalf of Auckland Council to respond to your request as above was made
by
Manoj Ragupathy, Local Area Manager.
You have the right to complain to the Ombudsman if you believe we have not responded
appropriately to your request. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
If you have any questions, please contact us on 09 301 0101 or at –
[email address]
Ngā mihi
Molly Janes Te Hoa Kaipakihi Pārongo Matatapu, Ōkawa hoki |
Privacy and Official Information Business Partner
Te Wheako ā-Kirihoko me ngā Ratonga Matihiko | Customer Experience & Digital Services
Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 |
aucklandcouncil.govt.nz |
Ph 09 301 0101
