A representative from the New Zealand Tibetan community has written to Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker expressing outrage no-one welcomed the Dalai Lama during his recent visit.

Thuten Kesang said he was disappointed and ashamed the council “did not lift a finger to help", Fairfax Media reported.

No councillors met the Dalai Lama on his visit and the NZ Tibetan Trust covered the visit, costing $40,000.

Council public affairs general manager Lydia Aydon told the New Zealand Herald Mr Parker was recovering from surgery at the time and could not meet the Dalai Lama.

No other councillors were asked to fill in because the Dalai Lama was visiting Christchurch in a private rather than official capacity.