Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town set for whopping pay rise

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town will receive a $60,000 pay rise.

The boss of New Zealand's supercity is probably getting a better Christmas present than you.

Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town will receive a whopping $60,000 salary increase

The rise of almost 10 per cent will take Town's salary to $690,000.

He will have to rely on his current smaller salary of $630,000 to buy his Christmas presents however, with the raise not coming into effect until 15 January.

* New Christchurch City Council chief executive named

* Wellington City Council boss gets $8000 pay rise**

Auckland Council CEO Review Committee chairwoman Christine Fletcher said Town's performance during the past two years had been reviewed and warranted the increase.

'He is an experienced chief executive and had brought about some very positive changes at council.

'Mr Town's remuneration is aligned with the council's focus on providing sound financial stewardship and doing more with less without compromising customer service, community and citizens.'

The new salary will be fixed for two years.

Despite the large amount, the salary is below that recommended by an external review that suggested a mid-point of $775,000.

Auckland Council is by far the largest in New Zealand, with 8500 staff, assets of $42 billion and annual income of around $3.6b.

Wellington City Council chief executive Kevin Lavery earns $416,160, having just received a two per cent pay rise in August.

Christchurch City Council chief executive Karleen Edwards is paid $395,000, far less than her predecessor Tony Marryatt who was on nearly $530,000.

New Zealand's top paid public sector chief executive is NZ Super Fund boss Adrian Orr who earns $830,000 to $839,999.