Kapiti Council gives $43k Harvard course away for nothing

The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Kapiti Coast District Council didn’t bother to bond CEO Darren Edwards to the Council, despite approving a $42,979 six-day Harvard Business School programme for him. Mr Edwards can walk away from the role at anytime, with ratepayers picking up the tab for his personal development.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams said:

“Edwards could resign tomorrow and wouldn’t have to pay back a cent. Ratepayers are being cheated.” 

“Usual practise for any employer is to bond an employees for at least a year to ensure that the organisation actually gets the value for the training. But not at Kapiti Coast District Council - where the spending was rubber stamp approved with no strings attached. He is not even obliged to serve out until the end of his fixed term contract.”

“The casual approach taken to what amounts to a $43,000 discretionary bonus is astounding and represents a major failure in governance. Ratepayers expect the Mayor and Councillors to be taking the same approach as any private sector employer would: ensure that the benefits of such a large spend accrue to the organisation." 

“Given Mr Edwards’ past, we are frankly amazed he was even admitted into the Harvard course.”