Spending by the Earthquake Recovery Authority of more than $3.5 million on communications in the past financial year has angered the Wider Earthquake Communities Action Network.
Spending by the Earthquake Recovery Authority of more than $3.5 million on communications in the past financial year has angered the Wider Earthquake Communities Action Network.
Figures released to Radio New Zealand under the Official Information Act show $3.6 million was spent last financial year on communications, including wages, advertising and letter drops.
Eleven personnel are currently working for the communications unit including a media manager and two senior media advisors.
At least two live outside the city and have their accommodation costs paid, along with the expense of traveling home.
Reverend Mike Coleman of the Wider Earthquake Communities Action Network says the money would have been better spent getting proper valuations done on homes in the red zone, instead of trying to make everything in Christchurch seem more rosy than it actually is.
Authority chief executive Roger Sutton maintains taxpayers are getting good value for money and says his media team handles more media calls than other government agencies do.
He told Morning Report that 80% - 90% the communications budget is spent on talking to residents.
He said the authority organises public meetings and publishes videos, brochures and website content, and most people still want more information, not less.
