$163,000 Tauranga councillors’ salary unjustified after 36 percent rates hikes

The New Zealand Taxpayers Union is calling out the 15.53 percent salary increase for councillors at Tauranga City Council at a time when rates bills continue to spiral. Councillors will now be paid an average of $163,000 a year, while Mayor Mahé Drysdale receives $193,402.

Taxpayers Union spokesperson Rhys Hurley said:

“From $200,000 on a short video to a new $45 million HQ, council has already loaded the ratepayer tab up with as much spending as possible. Ratepayers were hit with an average 35.98% rates rise last term, so can it really be called sensible to line up some of the same people responsible for a 15 percent pay hike?”

“Tauranga City Council’s own website states being a councillor is a 3-day-a-week part time job, yet councillors are being paid almost the same as Members of Parliament. How can anyone justify that lack of respect for ratepayers’ pockets?“

"Councillors should pay back salary increases until ballooning council costs are under control. Councillors must focus on core services before rewarding themselves with massive pay increases and lavish premises.”