Dunedin Council tight-lipped on salary for missing Deputy Chief

Dunedin City Council (DCC) has refused to explain the ongoing absence of its Deputy Chief Executive, Leanne Mash, citing privacy. Questions remain as to whether Mash still receives her full salary, which is as high as $499,999.

Sam Warren, Local Government Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, commented:

“This is a shocking lack of transparency from Dunedin City Council. Ratepayers deserve better, not a wall of silence.”

“Concerns for privacy has a legitimate place, but right now it looks more like an excuse than a reason. Council must prove otherwise and stop treating public accountability as an optional extra.”

“As part of the executive team, and having a salary up to $499,999, there’s an expectation for high-ranking staffers to be accountable. This is now all at risk. Council and Mash need to clear the air with the public covering her salary.”