Mayor and CE to Take Pay Cuts

South Taranaki District Council’s Mayor and Chief Executive will be taking a voluntary 10% pay cut for the next 6 months in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Chief Executive Waid Crockett has sought a wage freeze to his salary in the next financial year.

The Mayor and other Councillors’ pay is set by the Independent Remuneration Authority and the rules do not allow for salary reductions. However, Mayor Phil Nixon says he will donate 10% of his salary for the next six months to local charities.

Mayor Nixon says his decision was about showing understanding at a time when many will be struggling. “We are all very aware that many in our community are feeling a lot of hardship at this time. Businesses are really hurting; many people are losing jobs or are on reduced hours. As a family we decided that we should personally do something to recognise the difficulties many in the community are facing. It’s just the right thing to do.”

Mayor Nixon says whether his Councillors do something similar will be entirely up to them and their personal circumstances, keeping in mind their remuneration is significantly smaller than their metro counterparts.

Chief Executive Waid Crockett has decided to take a voluntary 10% pay cut on top of asking for a wage freeze in the next financial year.

“Our entire team at STDC are working extremely hard in challenging circumstances to keep our essential services running. Our next focus will be on working with businesses, Iwi and other partners to develop meaningful measures that will support the recovery of our district,” he says.