Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace is happy to begin discussions about whether Councillors should get free food.

This comes after Wainuiomata Ward's Campbell Barry put forward a motion to drop ratepayer funded buffet meals at meetings for cost effectiveness.

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Mayor Wallace said only the longer running meetings of three to four hours have meals provided, because often councillors just don't have time to fit in a meal outside of council.

Normally for the longer council meetings, it's anticipated with the work load, we provide some sort of meal for councillors because some of them obviously come directly from work."

Regional Councillor Sue Kedgley said she supports the meals, because they save time and build relationships.

"It's very important for councillors to actually meet informally and work together and build relationships and sitting down and having a quick meal together is one of the ways we can do that."

Ms Kedgley said there's certainly no place for extravagance and wastefulness, but the shared meals are important.

"I think we should be as economical as we possibly can, with respect to food, and ensure it's economical and healthy."

Mayor Wallace believes he's got an easy solution to providing meals for councillors.

A social club was created for councillors after he saw alcoholic beverages as something ratepayers shouldn't have to front.

Mayor Wallace said full meals could also be added to the list by upping the club fees.

He said the social club has always received a positive response from councillors.

"They all contribute which allows for catering and drinks outside of normal council meetings and that's been supported by all councillors."