If the pay is so low, why do so many people want to be councillors?

In response to Wairarapa council leaders’ complaints about pay scales, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross asked, “If the pay is so unfair, why do so many people want to be on councils?”

“If councillors want to reduce their workload, they should focus on the basics: roads, pipes, parks, and recreation. Finding new ways to waste ratepayers’ money isn’t justification for a pay rise.”

“It’s hard to take these complaints seriously when all four councils raised rates by 25 to 45 percent over the last three years. Stop hitting ratepayers before asking for more money.”

“Councils should be streamlining processes as standard practice. That means using new technology like large language models (AI) to assist with research, but also making sure that officials don’t drag their feet on providing timely information.”

“The Remuneration Authority sets elected members’ base pay to try and take the politics out of remuneration. While not perfect, it’s far better than councillors being allowed to mark their own homework.”