Legislation introduced today has paved the way for Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and other locally elected representatives to take a pay cut of up to 20 percent.

In a council meeting today, Lianne Dalziel indicated she would be taking a 20 percent paycut for six months, and “welcomed that.”

She said she was “over the moon” regarding the new legislation passed today.

Ms Dalziel said she had been working hard behind the scenes to get the Remuneration Authority to change rules on the salary of elected representatives.

Dalziel, who earns $195,000 a year, told Newstalk ZB in April she wanted to take a pay cut and planned to discuss the issue with the Remuneration Authority, who sets her pay.

The Government will today introduce legislation that will enable the Remuneration Authority to make temporary reductions to the salaries of elected politicians and senior public officials.

It follows yesterday’s news of job losses at Christchurch City Council owned Vbase, which is proposing to reduce permanent staff by 60 percent.

In April, the Prime Minister announced that all ministers will take a 20 percent pay cut for six months.

The pay of ministers and many senior public officials are set according to the Remuneration Authority Act 1977.

The Remuneration Authority Act will be amended to allow the Authority to temporarily decrease the pay of Ministers as agreed by Cabinet on 15 April,” State Services Minister Chris Hipkins said.

“It will also allow the Remuneration Authority for a limited time, to make a temporary determination that results in a reduction in pay up to 20% for six months for a group of top public officials covered by the Act, including MPs and elected local government members.”

“We are aware that a number of elected local government leaders have also indicated they would like to take a temporary pay cut. This legislation will allow the Authority the discretion to do that.”

“There is significant variation in the level of pay across the various roles the Remuneration Authority sets salaries for. The Authority will have the discretion to determine which reductions may be appropriate, and if they feel appropriate, apply different deductions to different roles.

“This latest move is on top of actions the Government has already announced, including a 20 percent salary reduction for Public Service Chief Executives for six months followed by a pay freeze to 30 June 2021.

“These are short-term measures as we respond to a 1-in-100 year shock to our society and economy. It’s about showing leadership at a time when many New Zealanders in the private sector are losing their jobs or facing pay cuts.

“This isn’t about pay cuts at the front line. As we start to get our country moving again, we don’t want people on low and middle incomes to bear the brunt.

“We will continue to work towards fair pay for lower-paid workers, especially the people we have been relying on as essential workers,” Chris Hipkins said.

The Remuneration Authority (COVID-19 Measures) Amendment Bill is expected to be passed on Friday.