Investigation into Gore councillor's slur cost council NZ$8,200 despite finding breach not serious

An external investigation into Gore District councillor Donna Bruce's use of the word "gay" to describe a staff presentation cost the council NZ$8,200 plus GST, a report by chief executive Debbie Lascelles revealed. Investigator James Cowan of Anderson Lloyd found the breach was "not significant or serious." Bruce apologised in late June and councillors voted not to admonish her further.