Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) new elected members are set to earn between $14,354 and $165,197 a year depending on their positions.

The lowest earners are members of the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB), who will each pocket $14,354, aside from the board’s chair who will make $28,710.

At the other end of the ledger, the mayor will earn a tidy $165,197.

These rates are set by the Remuneration Authority and are non-negotiable - though the council does have some wiggle room on how to divvy up its $734,716 councillor pay pot.

QLDC’s mayor, deputy mayor and councillors. PHOTO: Supplied

Instead of handing everyone the same cheque, QLDC’s 2026 allocations recognise extra responsibility.

Councillors who chair a committee will receive $69,000, while deputy chairs will receive $60,800. 

The deputy mayor will be paid $77,516.

Councillors without additional duties will take home $52,480.

QLDC staff said the whole governance remuneration pool had to be allocated.

“There is no discretion for the council to pay itself less than the determination provides for.”

QLDC had to submit its pay proposal to the Remuneration Authority by mid-December, which elected members retrospectively approved at last week’s council meeting.