1353 days ago

Waimakariri mayor in line for post-election payrise

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The Waimakariri mayor is in line for a payrise after October’s Local Government elections.

The Waimakariri District Council voted to accept the revised elected members salaries and expenses, which have been set by the Remuneration Authority, at a council meeting on Tuesday.

It means the mayor’s annual salary has increased by nearly $2000 from $137,500 to $139,425 from July 1.

A further increase of more than $7000, to $146,838 will kick in after the elections.

‘‘This is a matter the council doesn’t really have a choice on as it’s set by the Remuneration Authority,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said in support of the motion.

The mayor’s salary and payments for community board members are set by the Remuneration Authority, while the deputy mayor’s and councillors’ salaries are paid from a remuneration pool.

The remuneration pool has been set at $555,247 from October 2022 to July 2023.

The deputy mayor will receive a small increase from $58,994 to $59,820, while after the election the deputy mayor’s salary is expected to increase by nearly $10,000.

Councillors are expected to receive an increase of around $5000, with a post-election salary of $53,986.

Community board chairpersons and members are also set for a small payrise.

Fees for serving on a hearings panel have also increased for the first time since 2011, with the chairperson’s fee increasing from $100 to $116 per hour and members from $80 to $93 per hour.

Vehicle mileage allowances have also increased 4 cents a kilometre, from 79c to 83c a kilometre, in line with Inland Revenue recommendations.

More messages from your neighbours
8 days ago

Poll: 🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Press, the debate over the Bromley odour continues. Recently, a Bypass Plan has been proposed as a potential solution - this involves pumping sewage into the sea. However, official technical, scientific, and environmental reports on this plan and how it may impact the Canterbury region aren't finished yet.

Before we get the final word from the consultants, we want to know what the community thinks about the allocation of rates and resources.

We want to know: Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing and upgrading the existing infrastructure?

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🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?
  • 7.9% Research the Bypass
    7.9% Complete
  • 84.2% Fix Existing Infrastructure
    84.2% Complete
  • 7.9% Undecided/Need more info
    7.9% Complete
76 votes
1 day ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 40.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    40.7% Complete
  • 57.5% No, I enjoy it
    57.5% Complete
  • 1.7% Other - I'll share below
    1.7% Complete
1215 votes
5 hours ago

Garage sale

Alison from Rangiora

38 Queen Street, Rangiora, this Saturday 28th March 8am.