Concerns that Wellington City Council's financial books aren't in a good state. 

Castalia was commissioned by a group of locals for an independent analysis of public records, which suggests a one-billion-dollar budget blowout. 

Group member and Wellington Lawyer, John Swan, told Kate Hawkesby that the council's 'reckless.' 

He says they've bitten off more than they can financially chew, but concedes that some of it is down to inflation. 

Council Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves says the analysis makes assumptions based on outdated information. 

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