Otago’s Council CEOs Still Topping Rich List
Despite ratepayer frustration and council belt-tightening, Otago’s local council bosses continue to be among the highest paid in the country, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2025 CEO Rich List.
Mike Theelan from Queenstown-Lakes District Council received $416,320, putting him at number 16 on the CEO Rich List.
Sam Warren, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, said:
“Otago residents have seen services stall while costs rise, yet the top brass are still cashing in.”
“If councils want credibility when they say they need more money, they should start by cleaning up their own payroll.”
“It’s time for Otago councils to cut waste and cap rates, to prevent more bloated pay packets.”
"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."
The full list can be found at RichList.co.nz.
| Council | Chief Executive | 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change |
| Queenstown-Lakes District Council | Mike Theelen | $416,320.00 | $384,004.00 | $32,316.00 | 8.42% |
| Waitaki District Council | Alex Parmley | $358,547.00 | $341,065.00 | $17,482.00 | 5.13% |
| Otago Regional Council | Richard Saunders | $357,328.00 | $626,017.00 | -$268,689.00 | -42.92% |
| Clutha District Council | Steve Hall | $336,402.00 | $298,797.00 | $37,605.00 | 12.59% |
| Central Otago District Council | Peter Kelly/Louise van der Voort | $302,367.00 | $393,754.00 | -$91,387.00 | -23.21% |
| 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change | ||
| Total: | $1,770,964.00 | $2,043,637.00 | -$272,673.00 | -13.34% | |
| Average: | $354,192.80 | $408,727.40 | -$54,534.60 | -13.34% |