Actually that’s quite cheap for a Tory party

The Post reports:

Wellington ratepayers were left covering the costs of a private celebration for outgoing mayor Tory Whanau’s official portrait – a painted commission that ignored a council directive to save money by using photography.

While the council disclosed that the Clark Roworth artwork cost $7164.70 for the oil-on-canvas painting and framing, internal records reveal Whanau’s office also spent over $1000 on food and alcohol for a private unveiling to friends and family, bringing the total known expenditure above $8200.

Financial documents show the bash was held at Roworth’s gallery on October 3, for around 30 guests including the mayor’s staff and “Tory’s friends and family.”

To be fair $1,000 isn’t that much for a group of 30. Hell some of Tory’s long lunches probably cost more than that!