The statutory board representing Maori in Auckland is to receive about $2 million of funding from ratepayers.
Auckland councillors have also been told the board's members will initially be able to vote on 11 council committees and possibly more in the future.
Some councillors are unhappy at the cost of the board, which was created by the Government during the merger of Auckland's eight local bodies in 2010.
Cameron Brewer says the cost will rise to $3.43 million in the next year - more than the cost of the mayor's office.
Mayor Len Brown says the cost of the independent board, which will represent Maori to the council, is an investment in the future of Maori and Aucklanders.
Negotiations continue with the board over whether its members will also sit on the remaining eight council committees.
