Latest news with #RemunerationAuthority
NZ Herald
01-08-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Waikato Regional councillor Kataraina Hodge re-elected unopposed to $63,000 role
Waikato Regional councillors will start on $63,121 a year as soon as October's election results are declared. After that, the new council can carve up a near-million-dollar pay pool, allowing them to lift the base pay for councillors, or add top-ups for roles like committee chairperson. This pay plan must be signed off by the independent Remuneration Authority, and any rise is back-paid to the start date. It's the second time Hodge has been elected to the Ngā Tai ki Uta constituency unopposed, the last in 2022. She has held the seat since 2019. The Waikato Regional Council is made up of 14 seats in six general and two Māori constituencies. The six general constituencies are Hamilton with four seats available, Taupō-Rotorua and Thames-Coromandel with one vacancy each, as well as Waipā-King Country, Waihou and Waikato with two seats each. The two Māori constituencies are Ngā Tai ki Uta and Ngā Hau e Whā with one seat each. How to vote You will receive a voting document in the mail so that you can vote by post. Some regions will also have orange boxes set up in public places to cast your vote. Councils will release these details closer to the election. Local elections are on October 11, but you don't have to wait until then to vote. Voting papers need to be posted back by October 7 or put into an orange ballot box by midday, October 11. Some people also get two votes, such as those who pay rates on two properties. You'll need to check with your council. Election timeline August 1, midday: Candidate nominations close and roll closes August 6: Public notice of candidates' names September 9-22: Voting documents delivered October 7: Last day for posting vote by mail. After this date votes must be returned to the council's ballot boxes. October 11: Election day – voting closes midday, followed by progress results October 16-22: Declaration of results October/November 2025: Elected members sworn in Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Home security allowance for councillors
Increasing abuse and threats directed at elected members has prompted a new home security allowance to councillors' pay. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said her organisation had advocated for new protections such as the allowance given a significant increase in abuse, harassment and threatening behaviour. Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said she had been involved in putting the case to the Remuneration Authority. "We've been working on it for quite some time." There were some startling examples around the country of abuse directed at elected members in their own homes, Mrs Alley said. Last year, former Nelson City councillor and three-term mayor Rachel Reese came home to find a man in her house with a nail gun. Ms Reece stood down as mayor in 2022, in part, because of the abuse she was dealing with. Earlier this year, Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell had a window in her car smashed while it was parked in her driveway. In Central Otago, one elected member was subject to a campaign of abuse, including having items left in their mail box, Mrs Alley said. It appeared the person responsible had a general dislike of the victim rather than it being over a specific decision. While it was not possible to please everyone the decisions elected members made should not bring anxiety into their homes, Mrs Alley said. "It's just wrong. We are here to make the decisions for the benefit of, you know, as much of the public as we can ... [but] the decisions we are making shouldn't be following you home and make you or your family feel unsafe." The LGNZ allowance of up to $4500 for installing a security system and $1000 for annual maintenance was the same offered to members of Parliament. In April, Clutha district Lawrence-Tuapeka ward councillor Jock Martin, who has Māori heritage, reported receiving a threatening voicemail in which he was called the n-word over rates relief for Māori land. Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan, who has had angry members of the public come to his door, said he "strongly supported" initiatives to make councillors feel safe. In 1998, when he was first elected to council it was "inconceivable" that any member of the public would have acted in that way — "now it's a regular occurrence". "It's an unpleasant aspect of political reality now, but it's something that we have to address, and I think that while it doesn't stop the underlying issues, it gives a degree of protection to the councillors because they don't deserve this rubbish". The "unacceptable norm" was happening up and down the country and as New Zealand was trying to encourage a broad spectrum of people to put their hands up for local politics, it was imperative they felt safe, Mr Cadogan said. Dunedin city councillor Mandy Mayhem said there had been a rise in abuse online, and recently a group of what sounded like young people drove past her house "and yelled, 'Mandy Mayhem, you 'string of expletives"'. But that was once in three years as a councillor — and for her an exception rather than the norm. "People will ring up and rant at you, but I find they very seldom get abusive of me. "They'll clearly be disappointed, in my opinion, in an angry way, but would I need to put security on my house? "No, I don't think so." She said it was unlikely all councillors would use the allowance and those who did would probably find less expensive options. "A big part of it is elected members are often out and who's at home when you're not there and might need protecting." People had become more vocal and there was more pushback than ever on council decisions, she said. However, none of that should deter anyone from standing for the local body elections when nominations open tomorrow. "It's a wonderful role and an absolute privilege to serve your community in this way." — Additional reporting Hamish MacLean
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
MPs urged to 'lead by example' and trim superannuation subsidy
Photo: RNZ The Taxpayers Union says MPs should be "leading by example" and wants politicians' gold-plated superannuation scheme "trimmed". It comes as the government halves its KiwiSaver contribution to New Zealanders, and means tests access to it, saving two and a half billion dollars over four years. All MPs are entitled to a superannuation subsidy allowing them to receive 2.5 times the percent they contribute from their salary, up to a maximum payment of 20 percent. Parliamentary Services explained the maximum subsidy could be accessed if an MP contributed 8 percent of their salary to a registered scheme. If an MP contributed at a rate lower than 8 percent of their salary, the subsidy payable is reduced proportionately. A law passed in 1977 required the Remuneration Authority to provide superannuation for MPs, which has been done consistently since at least the 1990s. That legislation specified the maximum 20 percent payment of the "gross salary payable to a backbencher". The prime minister is allocated the same amount of superannuation contributions as a backbencher, for example. Currently a backbencher is paid about $170,000 , 20 percent of that would be about $34,000. If all 123 MPs got the maximum entitlement the scheme would cost more than $4 million a year. The subsidy is paid out of public money under "permanent legislative authority" without the need for annual appropriation, said Parliamentary Services. MPs can choose whether to apply the subsidy to their KiwiSaver, or another separate superannuation scheme of their choice. An MP can choose not to be in a superannuation scheme, but if they are, they must get the rate according to the law. According to the latest Register of Pecuniary Interests as at 31 January 2025, all members are enrolled in a superannuation scheme of some sort, with the exception of NZ First MPs Winston Peters and Casey Costello, and Te Pāti Māori MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. An explanatory note in the superannuation legislation said parliamentarians do not have "security of tenure" and there is a high turnover of members, so the scheme recognised the need for parliamentarians to provide for their future. The last time the subsidy was reviewed was in 2003. Chairperson of the Remuneration Authority Geoff Summers acknowledged that was a "long time ago" and that determination had "carried on and not changed through that time". He said he doubted the authority would consider changing it, because of a provision in the Remuneration Authority Act that stated its not allowed to reduce the pay of any of their client groups - including MPs. "If we reduce their superannuation, we'd have to increase their salary accordingly, so that wouldn't make much sense." Summers said the determination could be reviewed, but it couldn't be changed because of what the law stated. "So while the law says what it does, our hands are tied, pretty much." He acknowledged any government is able to change the law, "absolutely, if they chose to, that's the right of any Parliament to do that," if a government wanted to reduce the subsidy amount. "It's a political decision." Because Summers was a Crown appointed statutory officer, he couldn't comment on political decisions. "I won't comment on whether or not Parliament should do something - that's up to Parliament. "I will comply with the law, and if they change the law, I will comply with the new law. That's how the system works for me." Head of communications for the Taxpayer Union, Tory Relf, said at the moment MPs are contributing 8 percent of their salary and getting 20 percent back when most people are "fortunate to get 1:1 matching". She said a 1:1 ratio would be a "fair deal". "Kiwis are having to tighten their belts. And MPs should be leading by example." Finance Minister Nicola Willis on her way to deliver the Budget. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Relf said the scheme as it works currently shouldn't exist "in this environment". "We are borrowing money to pay for the scheme, which isn't just wasteful, it's unfair to the next generation of taxpayer." Relf wanted the government to take a second look at the scheme, saying "it would be about symbolic leadership and restoring trust between taxpayers and the MPs." RNZ approached all political parties for their position on the scheme. National said the Remuneration Authority is responsible for MPs' superannuation, but didn't provide a response to questions about whether the scheme was appropriate in light of the changes to the government's KiwiSaver contribution or whether changes should be made to it. "Superannuation is part of MPs' total remuneration package and is set independently by the Remuneration Authority. All retirement schemes are declared in the Register of Pecuniary Interests." While the government has halved its KiwiSaver contribution to Kiwis, it changed the default rate which could increase employer contributions for members. Savings for 80 percent of New Zealanders will increase because of the new default rate, but self-employed or unemployed people - who don't receive an employer contribution - would see a decrease in their savings because of the decreased government top up. Currently the government will contribute 50 cents per dollar of contribution by an employee, up to a maximum of $521.43 a year. From 1 July 2025 that will be halved to 25 cents per dollar, up to a new maximum of $260.72. Officials said in the Regulatory Impact Statement , the change would "reduce the incentive" for people to make their own contributions. The finance minister was also approached for comment but declined to respond. Labour said it opposed the government's cuts to KiwiSaver, but supported MP pay (and superannuation) being set by the Remuneration Authority. The Greens also pointed out the overall salary and allowances package, including superannuation, for MPs was set independently by the Remuneration Authority. The party said it supported this system remaining independent. The Greens also slammed the changes to KiwiSaver saying they weren't "fair", in particular the halving of the government contribution, but pointed out changing the MP super scheme won't benefit those missing out on KiwiSaver funds as a result of the contribution rate changes. ACT leader David Seymour said every worker's total remuneration included their base rate and any other costs like super, ACC, and holiday pay. "Whether you believe MPs' total remuneration is too much or too little, the balance of base rate versus super contributions doesn't change the total amount." NZ First's leader Winston Peters was out of the country and the party said it had no comment while he was away. Te Pāti Māori said the government shouldn't be cutting everyone else's retirement funds while leaving their own untouched. "We don't believe MPs deserve special treatment when over two million people in Aotearoa earn less than $30,000 per year." MPs are due a payrise at the beginning of July this year, with a backbench salary rising to around $177,000. The Taxpayer's Union said this was an opportunity for a pay freeze. "It's been done before, and we are borrowing money to pay for those increases. So while we're still in a deficit, I think it's important that they do lead by example," Relf said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said earlier this month he would follow the advice of the Remuneration Authority and "leave it at that".
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Auckland mayor fined for using mobile phone while driving
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has been fined $150 and received 20 demerit points for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving on April 3, 2025. The incident took place during a livestreamed Auckland Council transport committee meeting. Mayor Brown joined the meeting via video call with Auckland transport officials while driving. The video call lasted approximately three minutes, during which Brown tried to ask questions to officials in the meeting while also checking his mirrors and watching the road as he drove. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo After the meeting, police initiated an investigation after the video footage became public, and on April 22, authorities confirmed that Mayor Brown was issued an infringement notice for the offence. Mayor Brown, while responding, accepted his mistake and apologized for his 'lapse in judgment.' A spokesperson from his office stated that while it is standard practice to have the camera on during committee meetings, the mayor recognised that doing so while driving was inappropriate. Live Events Mayor Brown also commented on the lack of official transportation provided to him, contrasting his situation with that of Cabinet ministers who are allocated vehicles and drivers. He questioned why, as the mayor of Auckland, he does not receive similar provisions. The Auckland Council has clarified that the Remuneration Authority allows the mayor to have a vehicle for both business and private use. Recent data indicates a 25% increase in fines for drivers using mobile phones between 2022 and 2023, with nearly 60,000 tickets issued last year, and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed a willingness to consider higher penalties for such offenses, focusing on road safety .
