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.