Hawke’s Bay Councils Splash Out on Salaries While Locals Foot the Bill
The Taxpayers’ Union’s latest Council CEO Rich List shows that some of the highest-paid executives are sitting in Hawke’s Bay council offices, even as the region continues to rebuild and recover from hard years.
Top among them was To’osavili Nigel Bickle from Hastings District Council, who received $435,880.
Sam Warren, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, said:
“Hawke’s Bay has been through a lot recently. Locals are trying to rebuild their homes and lives. Meanwhile, Hastings saw fit to give its CEO a payday six times the average income of a Kiwi worker.”
“Where’s the accountability? Where’s the restraint?”
“It’s time for Hawke’s Bay councils to prioritise essentials and stop funnelling ratepayer money into bloated management salaries.”
"These salaries show that the spirit of public service isn't being reflected by council bosses. Perhaps it's time to revert the job title from 'CEO' to Town Clerk. That would reflect what the job is supposed to be about: service, not riches."
“Before hiking rates again, they should look at trimming the fat at the top.”
The full list can be found at RichList.co.nz.
| Council | Chief Executive | 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change |
| Hastings District Council | To’osavili Nigel Bickle | $435,880.00 | $421,474.00 | $14,406.00 | 3.42% |
| Napier City Council | Louise Miller | $384,000.00 | $442,000.00 | -$58,000.00 | -13.12% |
| Hawke's Bay Regional Council | Dr Nic Peet | $343,400.00 | $439,848.00 | -$96,448.00 | -21.93% |
| Central Hawke's Bay District Council | Doug Tate | $283,729.00 | $255,010.00 | $28,719.00 | 11.26% |
| Wairoa District Council | Kitea Tipuna | $253,522.00 | $237,175.00 | $16,347.00 | 6.89% |
| 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change | ||
| Total: | $1,700,531.00 | $1,795,507.00 | -$94,976.00 | -5.29% | |
| Average: | $340,106.20 | $359,101.40 | -$18,995.20 | -5.29% |