An early rate-payer-funded Christmas present has been handed to the boss of the Christchurch City Council.

Chief Executive Dawn Baxendale will receive a pay rise of 3 percent, or $16,000 more to her pay.

At the meeting today, Councillors voted to increase Mrs Baxendale’s base salary, following her recent performance review.

This will take her base salary, plus superannuation, from $532,571 to $548,548 annually and is in-keeping with the remuneration pool for staff. 

Mayor Phil Mauger, who chairs the Chief Executive Performance and Employment Committee, said Mrs Baxendale’s performance has been admirable in spite of all the challenges faced by the organisation and the city over the last year.  

“She is an asset to the Council and we know everyone has had a tough year so we want to acknowledge her hard work,” Mayor Mauger said.