Westland's mayor has been obliged to deny accusations he runs his council the same way Donald Trump runs the White House.

Bruce Smith says local media made the comparisons with US President over a number of leaked emails describing authoritarian behaviour, council infighting, and abuse.

Smith says no matter what the emails claim, he makes no apologies for his actions as mayor.

"I can tell you that I'm very black and white, and if I see something stupid, there's no way stupidity gets rewarded in my council."

The mayor only insists on being called his worship within council meetings, just as he insists other council members be referred to as councillors.

"Outside of that," he said, "it's just nonsense."

Smith does concede that he's more demanding of staff than his predecessor: "Council staff of course are there to carry out the wishes of council - it's not the other way around. Some find it uncomfortable but that's the way it is for at least another two years."

Earlier this year, Labour MP for West Coast-Tasman Damien O'Connor called for an investigation into Smith's conduct, in which two councillors had accused Smith of unacceptable behaviour towards councillors and staff.

Former Westland assets manager Vivek Goel faces a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation for financial impropriety. Council chief executive Tanya Winter filed a personal grievance claim after the council decided not to renew her five-year contract.

A council subcommittee has suspended Winter for alleged serious misconduct.