The Ashburton District Council operates as open and transparently as it can, chief executive Hamish Riach says.
Chief ombudsman Peter Boshier recently launched an investigation into concerns some councils are discussing issues and making decisions behind closed doors in workshops.
Ashburton is not one of the eight councils across the country the investigation will focus on, which Boshier said were chosen “for a variety of reasons”.
“Some councils are getting it right. I want to understand how they achieve this and share their good practices with other councils so we can all learn from this investigation.”
Riach believes Ashburton has its balance right in terms of what is covered in workshops and in public excluded sessions, which he said is governed by Local Government Official Information Act, 1987.
The executive team of the council determines what warrants a workshop, based on the act, Riach said, but the councillors can override the decisions if they choose to.
Not all workshops are open to the public, with some public excluded due to commercial sensitivity concerns or contract negotiations.
Boshier said councils should be aware that holding workshops could create a perception that an issue has already been decided before it is brought to an open meeting for debate and a decision.
The Ashburton council uses workshops to discuss ideas and to provide staff with direction, but they are not used for decision making.
“No decisions can be made at a workshop.
“All decisions of council are made via council resolution at a council meeting.”
Part of the ombudsman investigation is concerns around note-taking and record-keeping during these informal workshops.
Riach said for Ashburton’s workshops the “minutes are recorded and are discoverable”.
The chief ombudsman will seek input from the public, councils, and their staff up until August 26.
Ombudsman’s focus group councils:
Rotorua Lakes Council, Taranaki Regional Council, Taupo District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Rangitikei District Council, Waimakariri District Council, Timaru District Council, and Clutha District Council.

• By Jonathan Leask