West Coast Ratepayers Pay Top Dollar for Council CEOs
The Taxpayers’ Union has released its annual Council CEO Rich List, demonstrating that in the West Coast, council bosses are pulling down some serious salaries.
The highest-paying council in the region was Westland District Council, paying Scott Baxendale and Simon Bastion a combined $550,457 in total remuneration last year.
Sam Warren, Local Government Campaigns Manager at the Taxpayers’ Union, said:
“When Westland is paying more than half a million dollars to its Chief Executive while still complaining about budget constraints, something’s gone wrong.”
“Ratepayers across the Coast deserve to know how much of their money is going to the back office instead of fixing roads, delivering services, or maintaining infrastructure.”
"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."
“It’s time for West Coast councils to cap rates and start living within their means.”
The full list can be found at RichList.co.nz.
| Council | Chief Executive | 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change |
| Westland District Council | Scott Baxendale/Simon Bastion | $550,457.00 | $262,302.00 | $288,155.00 | 109.86% |
| Grey District Council | Paul Pretorius/Paul Morris | $364,005.00 | $261,569.00 | $102,436.00 | 39.16% |
| Buller District Council | Steve Gibling/Simon Pickford/Sean Judd | $288,120.09 | $356,340.51 | -$68,220.42 | -19.14% |
| West Coast Regional Council | Darryl Lew | $247,620.00 | $405,865.00 | -$158,245.00 | -38.99% |
| 2023-24 Renumeration | 2022-23 Renumeration | $ Change | % Change | ||
| Total: | $1,450,202.09 | $1,286,076.51 | $164,125.58 | 12.76% | |
| Average: | $362,550.52 | $321,519.13 | $41,031.40 | 12.76% |