Whakatāne District Council has contracted a security firm to check vaccine passes of visitors to three of its buildings, but won't say how much they are being charged for the service.

Council has contracted security firm Independent Security Consultants to manage vaccine pass use at the Whakatāne Aquatic Centre, the main customer services centre, and Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi.

One person is seated at the entrance to all three venues during their hours of business.

The council's people and engagement general manager, Emlyn Hatch, says the service will be monitored to gauge ongoing need and the cost is being managed within existing operating budgets.

A recent Stuff article revealed that councils around New Zealand were spending thousands of dollars each week on security at public facilities since the requirement to check vaccine passes came in. Christchurch City Council had reportedly spent an extra $45,700 a week.

However, Whākatāne District Council would not reveal how much it's paying.

'It would be inappropriate to specify the amount because it is a commercial relationship between council and a supplier,” says Mr Hatch.

Covid passes are not required for children under 12 years.

'Under the government vaccine pass system, people under the age of 12 years and 3 months are not required to show proof of vaccination.”

Neither Kawerau nor Ōpōtiki district councils require vaccine passes for entry to council buildings although they have not ruled out reviewing that decision in future.

-Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air