Manukau City Council is defending a $100,000 credit card bill that former mayor Sir Barry Curtis incurred in his final term in office.
Sir Barry, who is standing in the Manurewa-Papakura ward in Auckland's super city election, declined to comment on the bill.
Figures issued by the council show Sir Barry spent $44,004 on travel and accommodation and $31,934 on entertainment and hospitality, from January 2005 - November 2007.
Chief executive Leigh Auton says Sir Barry's credit card was subject to finance and audit procedures to ensure spending was reasonable and appropriate.
Mr Auton says the spending was also checked and signed off by the chief financial officer for compliance.
