Council boss Mike Theelen has received a pay rise, bringing his salary to more than $380K. 

The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) CEO’s salary increased by around $6,500 per year to $383,814 after the standard annual review was signed off by councillors last week.

The two percent pay rise is significantly smaller than the 5.5 percent increase that boosted his salary by 20K a year ago. 

Mayor Jim Boult said Mike had provided strong and insightful leadership during a challenging and busy year.

“The long tail of the Covid-19 pandemic has continued to create significant challenges for the organisation and personally I commend Mr Theelen for the care he has shown towards the staff while ensuring essential services are delivered for our local communities,” he said.

“His support for all elected members and his dedication to the organisation are indeed second to none.”

Salaries far into the six figures are not unusual for council CEOs.

At last count the Gisborne District Council paid its council boss $322K and the Auckland City Council CEO’s recent pay rise took his salary to $630K.

Elsewhere in the public sector, salaries vary greatly: Inland Revenue CEO Naomi Ferguson earns $669K and National Emergency Management Agency CEO David Gawn earns $150K.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern is paid $471,049 per year. 

Mike joined QLDC as CEO in February 2016 and was reappointed for a further five years in November 2020 (effective from February 2021).

He was previously the Christchurch City Council's general manager of strategy and planning.

PHOTO: Supplied