Things to know if you're thinking of standing
Vote 2022 – Elected members remuneration
If you are considering standing as an elected member, you might be interested to know how much you would be paid and what allowances can be claimed.
Remuneration
Remuneration is set by the Remuneration Authority, a public body responsible for setting the remuneration of key public office holders, including local council members. The Remuneration Authority sets a pool of funding for each Council based on the size of the governance role of each council, the average time required by an elected member on a council of that size, and a general comparison with parliamentary salaries.
In 2018 the Remuneration Authority introduced a governance remuneration pool, to take into account the issue of different numbers of elected members on different councils. The pool provides the total amount that must be paid in remuneration to councillors in each individual council (not including allowances). The Mayor’s remuneration is set separately from the pool.
Base remuneration for each councillor is set by the Remuneration Authority, and any funds remaining in the pool can be allocated based on additional responsibilities such as chairing a committee. Council must make recommendations to the Remuneration Authority on the base remuneration and recognition of additional responsibilities for the incoming council each election year and must nominate the whole pool allocated. Westland District Council received a pool of $223,635 for the 2021-2022 year, with each Councillor paid a base rate of $22,865.
Allowances
Allowances are at the discretion of individual councils within the limits set by the Remuneration Authority. Current allowance types are:
- Vehicle kilometre allowance
- Travel time allowance
- ICT allowance
- Childcare allowance
Westland District elected members are entitled to all these allowances under our policy and adopted recommendations, as well as for expenses relating to their work as elected members. A table of allowances claimed by elected members can be viewed on our website at any time.
