Southland council chief executives earn combined $1.5m a year

The salaries of Southland's top council bosses have been revealed, although one authority will not provide an updated figure.

Four council chief executives in the region collectively earn more than $1.5 million per annum, according to information released by the councils or made available in annual reports.

Invercargill City Council chief executive Michael Day led the pack with total remuneration of $429,300 – up 8% from $396,785 the previous year.

Day's latest increase was approved in August and backdated to 1 July, the council said.

His remuneration figure included a vehicle but excluded KiwiSaver, fringe benefit tax, and allowances.

The city council also confirmed there were six positions on its executive leadership team with an average remuneration of $260,132.

At Southland District Council, a recently-released annual report showed chief executive Cameron McIntosh received $405,779 for the year ended June 2026 – a 3% increase on the previous year.

McIntosh underwent an annual performance review in September, but the council directed questions about his current salary to the annual report.

The report noted McIntosh's salary included fringe benefit tax.

Environment Southland chief executive Stephen Hall is the newest top boss in the region, having arrived at the organisation in July.

Hall "consented" to his total remuneration package being released, the regional council said, which was $380,000 per annum.

There were currently five general manager positions filled at the regional council with an average salary of $228,208.

At Gore District Council, figures presented in the most recent annual report were still current due to the annual performance review process only recently kicking off.

"This process takes some time," council chief financial officer Lornae Straith said.

According to the annual report, Gore chief executive Deborah Lascelles received $298,725 per annum including benefits.

Chief executives are the top earners at Southland's councils, earning markedly more than mayors who have their pay set by the Remuneration Authority.

According to the latest information from the authority, Invercargill mayor Tom Campbell leads the Southland contingent with a salary of $165,687 per annum.

Southland district mayor Rob Scott earns $152,473, Environment Southland chair Jeremy McPhail earns $136,773, and Gore mayor Ben Bell earns $128,211.