Council marketing staff were asked to paint their feelings about their jobs during a ratepayer-funded day at a top Auckland conference venue.
All but four of Auckland City Council's 33 communications and marketing department staff spent last Monday at Sorrento in the Park on a team development day costing $3700.
During one exercise, staff were given sheets of paper and asked to paint their feelings about their working environment before explaining their efforts to the group.
The day was organised despite an internal review of the department, which is expected to see some of the participants leave the council within a month.
Mayor John Banks lambasted the department for the exercise, which was organised by the acting group manager.
Banks said the exercise was a "totem" for the misuse of ratepayer money.
"It has been a reminder throughout the organisation that this kind of expenditure is simply not warranted, acceptable and will not be tolerated.
"I have made it clear to the administration that these are very difficult times and we must be frugal with the cash of hardworking ratepayers.
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