Filipaina stays quiet on Rio jaunt — but Facebook reveals all
The man leading the Auckland Council’s blueprint for future development is not talking about his controversial trip to Rio — but photos circulating on social media show he had a whale of a time.
Alf Filipaina, chairman of the Unitary Plan committee, came under fire for heading to the Olympics while his colleagues ploughed through details of the plan at a marathon, seven- day meeting at Auckland Town Hall.
The $ 105,800 a year councillor was staying quiet about his eyebrowraising holiday to Brazil when contacted by the Weekend Herald.
“As far as I am concerned the whole thing is done and dusted,” he said. “I have nothing to add.”
Filipaina was at Rio to cheer on a niece, who was taking part in the women’s rugby sevens competition. He did not have council funding for the trip. development plan through with Filipaina, backed her colleague.
Also posting on Filipaina’s Facebook page, she wrote: “travel safely dear Alf, Rio may never recover!!! Xxxx.”
Other friends and family gave the thumbs up to his photos from Brazil.
“Very cool. I hope that is a camera in your hand and not a handle? Enjoy the sun,” wrote one friend.
Another wag joked: “Duty free please Alf . . . ”
Yesterday, the Herald revealed council body Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development had come under fire for sending two staff to the Olympics at a cost of $ 29,000.