Council boss Mike Theelen has received a pay rise bringing his salary to more than $415K. 

The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) CEO’s salary increased by a little over $30K to $415,321.09 after the Chief Executive Performance Review Committee recommendation was approved by councillors last week.

The pay rise marks an increase of eight per cent (including a KiwiSaver contribution of three percent), significantly more than the two percent raise he received a year ago. 

Mayor Glyn Lewers said the remuneration package reflected Mike’s strong leadership during “unprecedented times of change for local government”.

His remuneration is now $415,321.09. PHOTO: Wānaka App

National level changes affecting the council include the affordable water services programme, the Resource Management Act review, and the Future for Local Government review.

“Council is also facing an extremely challenging environment with increasing costs, insurances and borrowing rates, while trying to balance the effect of rates on the local community during a cost of living crisis,” Glyn said.

Those factors, in addition to significant building defect claims and planning and delivering for current future communities add up to a “massive” job,” Glyn said.

He said Mike and his team are guiding elected council “with skill and valuable experience”.

“He is a true asset to this council and the district.”

Mike was previously the Christchurch City Council's general manager of strategy and planning, and led the council's recovery team after the Canterbury earthquakes.

He joined QLDC as CEO in February 2016.