Auckland Council spends over $400,000 on "Rainbow Machine" arts project, facing criticism over costs.

The Auckland Council has spent over NZ$560,000 (US$400,000) on an interactive arts installation known as the "Rainbow Machine," commissioned in 2018. Additional costs include NZ$104,405 for cleaning, moving, and erecting it in various locations, NZ$6,898 on maintenance, and NZ$3,400 annually for storage. The Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance criticizes the spending, noting the council seeks a 5.8% rate increase, following a 6.8% rise last year.