Big Pay, Bigger Questions for Manawatū-Whanganui Councils
Council executives across Manawatū-Whanganui continue to enjoy generous salaries, the Taxpayers’ Union's 2025 Council CEO Rich List reveals, even as residents face escalating costs and deteriorating services.
Waid Crockett from Palmerston North City Council topped the region’s earners at $398,829.
Sam Warren, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, said:
“When locals are asked to pay more, they expect their councils to be tightening belts too. But CEO salaries like these tell a different story.”
“Paying more than five times the average Kiwi income to the same bureaucrats who have overseen enormous rate hikes is totally unjustifiable.”
"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."
“Manawatū-Whanganui councils need to cut back on bureaucracy and put ratepayers first. Cap rates. Trim the fat.”
The full list can be found at RichList.co.nz.
| Council | Chief Executive | 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change |
| Palmerston North City Council | Waid Crockett | $398,829.00 | $454,007.00 | -$55,178.00 | -12.15% |
| Whanganui District Council | David Langford | $393,815.00 | $348,789.00 | $45,026.00 | 12.91% |
| Horowhenua District Council | Monique Davidson | $382,539.00 | $344,600.00 | $37,939.00 | 11.01% |
| Whangarei District Council | Simon Weston | $382,325.00 | $361,915.00 | $20,410.00 | 5.64% |
| Horizons Regional Council | Michael McCartney | $376,000.00 | $380,000.00 | -$4,000.00 | -1.05% |
| Manawatu District Council | Shayne Harris | $359,875.00 | $350,687.00 | $9,188.00 | 2.62% |
| Ruapehu District Council | Clive Manley | $338,847.00 | $325,367.00 | $13,480.00 | 4.14% |
| Rangitikei District Council | Kevin Ross/Peter Beggs | $300,119.00 | $299,956.00 | $163.00 | 0.05% |
| Tararua District Council | Bryan Nicholson | $293,000.00 | $270,000.00 | $23,000.00 | 8.52% |
| 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change | ||
| Total: | $2,293,383.00 | $2,239,998.00 | $53,385.00 | 2.38% | |
| Average: | $382,230.50 | $373,333.00 | $8,897.50 | 2.38% |