3.7% pay rise for Ashbuton’s mayor and councillors
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor and councillors will receive an average 3.7% pay increase from July 1.
The mayor’s pay packet is set to increase by $4910 after the Remuneration Authority this week determined that mayors and councillors across the country will receive an average pay rise of 3.7% from July 1.
Local government pay is set by the independent body, which dictates the mayor and deputy salaries and the councillor remuneration pools that are funded by rates. Each council determines how that pool is distributed.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown’s salary will increase from $132,690 to $137,600, which equates to $2646 per week or a $66 an-hour wage for a 40-hour week.
Brown said it is a full-time job that has no set hours - and wherever he goes he is the mayor.
“You are always the mayor, you are on 24 hours, seven days a week.
“You may not be working but you are always on call.”
The other mayor Brown, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown, is the top-paid mayor with a $306,952 a year salary ($147.50 an hour) and the lowest rate for any Auckland councillor was $111,782.
Ashburton’s deputy mayor Liz McMillan’s salary increases from $80,003 to $82,963.
Ashburton has usually opted to have the eight councillors on the same salary, evenly dividing the remuneration pool.
Their salary will increase from $46,274 to $47,986 – which works out to $23 per hour.
First-term councillor Richard Wilson said the pay rise was outside of council control, but an increased rate encouraged more people to stand for council.
“I don’t do the job for the money, I do it for the community.
“And I am fortunate I can afford to because my company can continue without me being there, but some others may not be in that position.”
Councillors don't work 40 hours in a regular week in Ashburton, but they do a lot more than just attend a council meeting every fortnight, he said.
Remuneration Authority chairperson Geoff Summers said the authority devised a sizing system for councils' remuneration after a full review in 2018 that considers four factors: population, total assets, total expenditure and socioeconomic deprivation.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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