The chief executives of Auckland Council and its five council-controlled organisations will take a pay cut of 20 per cent for the next six months, Auckland Council CEO Stephen Town announced today.
In addition, board chairs, directors and senior executives have volunteered to take the following pay reductions:
- The chairs of the boards of Regional Facilities Auckland, Auckland Transport, Watercare, Panuku Development Auckland and ATEED have all agreed to voluntarily reduce their board fees by 20 per cent for six months
- Directors of the agency boards will voluntarily reduce their board fees by 10 per cent for six months
- Council and CCO senior executives will take a voluntary pay cut of a minimum of 10 per cent for six months.
“A pay cut is the right thing for us to do in the current environment,” Stephen Town said.
“We understand how tough it is for many New Zealanders right now. While this won’t have a big impact on the council’s financial position, it acknowledges that as leaders we need to play our part by showing solidarity with communities and businesses.”
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff welcomed the decision.
"The COVID-19 crisis is having a significant impact on our economy and many people are struggling financially as a result," he said.
"I commend the Auckland Council Group executives and board chairs for taking voluntary salary cuts during the crisis, in acknowledgment of the Aucklanders and Auckland businesses who are affected by this unprecedented situation."
The changes apply to Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, Panuku Development Auckland, Regional Facilities Auckland and Watercare Services Ltd.
