An Auckland councillor and a member of the Independent Maori Statutory Board have clashed during a heated budget debate.
The council was discussing a $10 million contribution to a proposed waterfront theatre when Maori Statutory Board member Wayne Knox said the Auckland Theatre Company had agreed for Maori to have a role on its Trust.
Councillor Mike Lee questioned whether Maori board members were trying to create jobs for themselves.
The board's deputy chair, John Tamihere, told the meeting he deeply resented the comment.
Councillors approved conditional funding for the theatre, along with the role for Maori on the theatre's trust.
