A Warning from Wellington: Whanganui Welcomes McKerrow

Former Wellington Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow will act as interim Chief Executive for Whanganui Council in what has been described as an ‘exciting new adventure’ by McKerrow and a ‘terrifying new chapter’ for Whanganui ratepayers.

Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Whanganui during these uncertain times.”

“McKerrow brings with her a track record, just not the kind you’d want to flaunt. Under her clerkship, Wellington experienced phenomenal disfunction and rates rises – we can only hope Whanganui doesn’t have a town hall that needs upgrading, or pipes to fix.”

“While in Wellington, McKerrow’s $553,356 pay packet raised some eyebrows when compared to her performance. The latest Taxpayers’ Union Council CEO Rich List ranked her as the second-highest paid individual council CEO. For the sake of Whanganui ratepayers, let’s hope McKerrow brings more bang for buck this time round.“

“With McKerrow should come a warning not to repeat the same mistakes. For McKerrow, we wish her ‘bon voyage’. For Whanganui locals, we wish you ‘good luck – she’s your problem now’”.