Wellington City Council apologises for library website overspend
Wellington City Council has apologized for spending over $600,000 on a library website after an independent review identified poor oversight and procurement failures. The review noted that the project cost significantly more than typical government website expenditures.
Why it matters
The incident highlights issues with public sector financial management and the importance of transparency in government procurement processes.
Wellington library Te Matapihi Ki Te Ao Nui. Photo / RNZ
Wellington City Council has apologised for spending more than $600,000 on a website to draw visitors to the newly reopened City Library.
An independent review found shortcomings in the oversight, procurement process and the value for money offered by the site.
Chief operating officer James Roberts – the senior responsible officer for the Te Ngākau Civic Square upgrade, including the library – said he took “full accountability” for the expense.
“It is clear from the review there are lessons we need to take from this and I’ve already started making changes to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
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