Bob Parker will not accept pay rise

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker will donate the pay rise he receives this year to charity or a community project.

The Remuneration Authority has determined that Mr Parker should receive a $5032 increase in his salary from July this year, while the total salary pool for other elected members in Christchurch will increase by $51,000. Council will meet in March to decide how the pool should be allocated.
However, while Mr Parker says he can not refuse the increase, he would not feel comfortable taking it in light of the current economic situation and Prime Minister John Key’s call for restraint on salaries for Members of Parliament.
“Being Mayor of this city is a job I love. It’s not about the money, it’s about doing a good job for residents to ensure the future of our wonderful city,” Mr Parker says.

“Although the increase is beyond my control, I can ensure that the extra dollars paid to me can be returned to the community and put to good use. I will donate it to a worthy Christchurch charity or invest it in an appropriate community project that will benefit all residents.”

Mr Parker has also asked staff to re-evaluate any “Sister City” engagements proposed this year that involve him travelling at ratepayer expense to overseas destinations.
“While this will no doubt dismay some of those enthusiastic and wonderful citizens who have worked hard to build these relationships, I am sure they will understand that it is not appropriate for me to travel this year given economic conditions,” he says.

“Sister City relationships are extremely important for Christchurch and I want them to continue. However we can continue to foster relationships through technology or appointing others outside Council to act as the city’s representatives.”
Mr Parker says he will reconsider his stance on Sister Cities if either economic conditions improve or if alternate non-ratepayer funding is made available.