WESTSHORE MAN VISITING AUCKLAND OFFICE WITNESSES PUFFER JACKET DEBATE AT 18 DEGREES

A Westshore man on secondment to an Auckland office has returned to Hawke's Bay with a story his mates refuse to believe. Grown adults spent forty minutes debating whether 18 degrees warranted a puffer jacket.

Gareth Whitiora, 34, flew up on the Monday and walked into the Ponsonby office in a short-sleeved shirt. A woman named Fleur asked if he'd "forgotten his layers".

"It was 18 degrees," Whitiora said. "In Napier that's a beach day. My nan hangs washing in 12. One bloke had a Kathmandu puffer on indoors. Indoors, mate. The heater was going."

The office reportedly split into two camps. Those who felt 18 was "a bit fresh" and wanted a mid-weight puffer, and those holding out for a full down jacket because "the wind off the harbour changes things". A South African intern said nothing and looked tired.

STATEMENT FROM AUCKLAND COUNCIL

Auckland Council is aware of community concerns regarding thermal comfort in the CBD workplace environment. Council acknowledges that perceptions of temperature may vary across regional demographics and notes that all feedback has been received.

A review of seasonal readiness guidance is currently underway and is expected to be completed in due course. In the interim, workers are reminded that layering remains an individual choice and that Council does not endorse any specific outerwear provider.

Council wishes to thank Mr Whitiora for his visit and reminds visitors from other regions that Auckland's microclimate can be unpredictable. Further updates will be provided as appropriate.