Waikato Council Chiefs Receive Bumper Pay Packets While Ratepayers Struggle
The Taxpayers’ Union’s Council CEO Rich List has shown Waikato council leaders receiving big pay packets despite rising rates and regional belt-tightening.
The highest-paid CEO in the region was Gavin Ion from Waikato District Council, earning $423,000.
Sam Warren, Taxpayers’ Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, said:
“Waikato families are cutting back. So why aren’t councils?”
“Handing out salaries like $423,000 at Waikato District Council while everyday ratepayers are paying more for less is completely out of step.”
“Waikato councils have been quick to plead poverty when it comes to fixing roads or maintaining infrastructure. But these CEO salaries tell a different story.”
"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."
“Waikato ratepayers should demand a cap on rates and a hard look at where the money’s really going.”
The full list can be found at RichList.co.nz.
| Council | Chief Executive | 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change |
| Waikato District Council | Gavin Ion | $422,655.00 | $416,022.00 | $6,633.00 | 1.59% |
| Hamilton City Council | Lance Vervoort | $405,661.00 | $400,972.00 | $4,689.00 | 1.17% |
| Thames-Coromandel District Council | Aileen Lawrie | $400,073.00 | $362,500.00 | $37,573.00 | 10.36% |
| Matamata-Piako District Council | Don McLeod | $397,944.00 | $374,997.00 | $22,947.00 | 6.12% |
| Waikato Regional Council | Chris McLay | $392,529.00 | $378,566.00 | $13,963.00 | 3.69% |
| Waipa District Council | Garry Dyet | $389,495.00 | $363,604.00 | $25,891.00 | 7.12% |
| Taupo District Council | Julie Gardyne | $331,162.00 | $441,902.00 | -$110,740.00 | -25.06% |
| Hauraki District Council | Langley Cavers | $322,000.00 | $322,000.00 | $0.00 | 0.00% |
| South Waikato District Council | Susan Law | $315,000.00 | $305,000.00 | $10,000.00 | 3.28% |
| Otorohanga District Council | Tanya Winter | $290,000.00 | $272,000.00 | $18,000.00 | 6.62% |
| Waitomo District Council | Ben Smit | $288,070.00 | $277,770.00 | $10,300.00 | 3.71% |
| 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change | ||
| Total: | $3,954,589.00 | $3,915,333.00 | $39,256.00 | 1.00% | |
| Average: | $359,508.09 | $355,939.36 | $3,568.73 | 1.00% |