Council CEO's pay tops $415k
Queenstown's council boss Mike Theelen has been given a pay rise bringing his salary to more than $415,000.
Theelen received the 8% boost, which works out to about $30k extra per year, after his annual performance review by a panel of elected councillors - Mayor Glyn Lewers, Cr Lyal Cocks and Cr Lisa Guy.
It is significantly more than the 2% bump he received a year ago.
Lewers says the pay rise, which includes 3% employer Kiwisaver contribution, reflects Theelen's strong leadership through a time of uncertainty for local government, highlighting the pressure from Three Waters reform and Resource Management Act.
"Council is also facing an extremely challenging environment with increasing costs, insurances and borrowing rates, whilst trying to balance the effect of rates on the local community during a cost of living crisis," Lewers says.
"Add in some significant building defect claims where Council is the ‘last man standing’ and you’ve a massive job on your hands.
"Council needs to keep planning and delivering for the current community as it grows rapidly, and to meet the needs of future communities to come. That is a complex process that Mike and his team are guiding the elected Council through with skill and valuable experience."
Queenstown Lake District Council has this year raised residential rates by a massive 14.5%, one of the highest raises in country.
Theelen joined QLDC as chief executive in February 2016 and was reappointed for a further five years in November 2020 (effective from February 2021).
Lewers continues: "In the context of these challenges, and many more, Mike continues to demonstrate genuine care for the team he has built at QLDC.
"He sets high expectations and supports the organisation to deliver on them. The passing of former General Manager Pete Hansby was a blow for employees and through that difficult time staff remained committed to delivering for the community. That professionalism and resilience is a direct reflection on the culture and values that Mike has created and continues to uphold."
Lewers says Theelen is a "true asset to this Council and the district" and he has valued working alongside him in his first year as mayor.
The Committee considered Theelen’s performance and prepared its recommendation based on its public excluded meeting on 10 August. The Council subsequently approved a 2023-2024 total remuneration of $415,321.09[1] per annum during a public excluded session of Council on Thursday, 31 August.
