Story perspectives

Tauranga Council spends $62k on mayor’s electric car.

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Tauranga City Council spent $62,000 (including GST) to buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle for Mayor Mahé Drysdale.
Mayor Drysdale uses the council car for official duties in Tauranga.
Remuneration Authority permits council electric cars up to $68,500, with vehicle’s base price $50,330.43 before GST.
Taxpayers Union investigator Rhys Hurley questioned the expense after a 35.98% rates increase, noting that mayors declined council cars or took allowances.

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Story summary

The Tauranga City Council spent $62,000 (including GST) to buy a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle for Mayor Mahé Drysdale.
Mayor Drysdale uses the council car for official duties in Tauranga.
Remuneration Authority permits council electric cars up to $68,500, with vehicle’s base price $50,330.43 before GST.
Taxpayers Union investigator Rhys Hurley questioned the expense after a 35.98% rates increase, noting that mayors declined council cars or took allowances.