Crazy cost of commissioners questioned

Mangawhai residents, many of whom are refusing to pay their rates, are questioning the cost of commissioners running the Kaipara District Council.

The Government appointed the four commissioners after the council’s $80 million debt led to a rates revolt.

The fees are $1400 per day for the chairperson and $900 for each of the three other commissioners.

Mangawhai Ratepayers Association chairperson Bruce Rogan says that is outrageously high for a small council that is essentially broke, and that Kaipara could be run by just one commissioner.

Local Government Minister David Carter says the fees are set according to the Local Government Act and those for Kaipara are consistent with the rates for the Canterbury Regional Council commissioners.