We’ve been holding the flame to the councillors across New Zealand who have chosen not to stand down (or take unpaid leave) from their full-time Council roles to stand for Parliament.  Denise Lee (Auckland Councillor, standing for National in Maungakiekie); Wellington’s Deputy Mayor, Paul Eagle (standing for Labour in Rongotai); and Andy Foster (a Wellington Councillor standing for NZ First) are collectively taking home more than $100,000 of ratepayers’ money – despite their full-time campaigning in the 90-day regulated election period.

We say this behaviour represents a shameless rort, and have held up the fine example of the Mayor of Hastings, and his councillor colleague who both resigned from their roles to stand for Parliament.

The position is no different to that we took in relation to Phil Goff receiving a Parliamentary salary while he campaigned to be Mayor.

If you agree that there should be a rule put in place preventing being paid by ratepayers while they campaign for a new job – please sign our petition below.