A tale of two conferences
A number of readers attended both the recent National Party Annual Conference and the Local Government annual conference. They were struck by the differences between the two. A key factor being that those who attend the National conference pay the cost themselves and those who attend the LG conference have ratepayers pay the cost.
| National Party | Local Government | |
| Cost | $350 incl GST | $1,495 excl GST |
| Venue | Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau | Takina Convention Centre, Wgtn CBD |
| Accommodation | Ramada Suites Manukau $175/night | Museum Hotel ($298/night) |
| Powhiri | 10 minutes | 43 minutes |
| PM Speaking Time | 45 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Break food | Sausage rolls | “Amazing” |
| Floral Displays | No | Yes |
| Transgender rock paper scissors | No | Yes |
| Cocktails | 1st drink free | All drinks free |
| Drag queen performance | No | Yes |
| Dinner | $125 | $240 |
| Welcome reception | $35 | $120 |
| Youth AGM/meeting | free | $450 + GST |
| Conference App | No | Yes |
Amazing the difference it makes, depending on who has to pay!