CERA is defending a decision to send two senior staff on a trade mission to India and Sri Lanka.

The authority was invited to join a six-day New Zealand trade mission to India and Sri Lanka in November last year, led by Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy.

It's understood Deputy CEO of Communications Mike Shatford and Team Leader for Events and Visits Michael Henstock were paid for by CERA to go on the trip.

A CERA spokesperson says the trip created an opportunity to build links overseas for the benefit of Christchurch - by making them aware of progress in the city's rebuild.

Newstalk ZB has requested further information about the costs involved under the Official Information Act.