Northland’s Council CEOs Cash In While Communities Miss Out
Northland ratepayers continue to fund big executive pay packets according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s new Council CEO Rich List, despite the region facing infrastructure delays and financial pressures.
Jonathan Gibbard of Northland Regional Council topped the list locally, paid $378,742 in the 2023-24 financial year – more than five times the average Kiwi income.
Sam Warren, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, said:
“Northland deserves better. Too many communities in the region are going without, yet councils are still handing out six-figure salaries to bureaucrats.”
"It isn't right that the highest-paid person in some Northland communities are the bosses at the local council."
“When your local roads are falling apart and services are lacking, it’s fair to ask whether $378,742 salaries for council bosses are justified.”
"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."
“Northland councils need to cut back at the top before they come asking ratepayers for another increase.”
The full list can be found at RichList.co.nz.
| Council | Chief Executive | 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change |
| Northland Regional Council | Jonathan Gibbard | $378,742.00 | $442,954.00 | -$64,212.00 | -14.50% |
| Far North District Council | Guy Holroyd | $365,000.00 | $426,000.00 | -$61,000.00 | -14.32% |
| Kaipara District Council | Jason Marris | $311,505.00 | $343,535.00 | -$32,030.00 | -9.32% |
| 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change | ||
| Total: | $1,055,247.00 | $1,212,489.00 | -$157,242.00 | -12.97% | |
| Average: | $351,749.00 | $404,163.00 | -$52,414.00 | -12.97% |