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The Callaghan story continues - Callaghan staff can’t fit their suits, need pedometers

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Feb 07, 2018  - Callaghan Innovation spent taxpayer money on suit hire and pedometers as part of their $304,000 entertainment expense blowout in 2015/16.  New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “Among their laundry list of ‘entertainment’ expenses, Callaghan spent $185 on suit hire at Munns in Auckland for a staff member to attend an awards ceremony.”

“With all the taxpayer money Callaghan spends on booze and dinners it is no wonder their staff need to hire suits they can fit into.”“This impression isn’t helped by $1,685 spent on Kathmandu pedometers for Callaghan staff. The pedometers were bought as part of the agency’s ‘Spring Wellness Campaign’. Callaghan has explained to the Taxpayers’ Union that the campaign to encourage staff to get fit with more walking and exercise.”“It appears this campaign was needed to help Callaghan staff lose weight gained from their constant wining and dining. Perhaps it was to save money on suit hire.”“Regardless, staff should be paying for their own pedometers. What’s next, funding for Ab King Pros and Shake Weights?”The Taxpayers’ Union is currently waiting on entertainment expense figures for 2016/17, the release of which Callaghan has delayed through manipulation of the OIA process.

| A Taxpayers Union release  ||  February 07, 2018   |||