The Green Party backs the Government’s decision to freeze MPs’ pay for the next year and welcomes a review that will investigate changes down the track to ensure pay increases are in line with increases other working New Zealanders receive.
“The Green Party has long called for fairer pay settings for MPs so pay changes match what is happening with workers’ pay,” Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said.
“MPs are paid well above the average worker, so giving them a percentage rise accentuates their higher pay. When it is right for MPs to get a rise, they should get the same in dollar terms as what the average worker receives.”
While in the last five years in percentage terms the median individual wage has risen substantially more than a Backbenchers’ pay – 16.9% versus 10.9% - that amount in dollar terms is nearly 3.5 times more for the MP -- $16,161 versus $4,641*. A Backbencher’s annual basic salary is $163,961.
Cabinet today agreed to freeze MPs’ pay, allowances and superannuation for the next year. Pay increases are currently determined by the Remuneration Authority under a formula set in law, so this new policy requires legislation in parliament. There will also be a review to scrutinise future MP pay increases down the track. “It is fantastic that there will be a review into MP pay increases in the long run, it is absolutely right that we interrogate how much MPs are paid to ensure they’re not receiving increases that are unfair compared to other New Zealanders who are experiencing slow wage growth. “This Government is committed to being responsible with public funds. We have had nine years under National that has caused widespread poverty, homelessness and a big percentage of people in work and out struggling to make ends meet. We consider increases in MPs’ pay better used for other Government priorities.” *Figures supplied by the Parliamentary library.
Anaplan has on-boarded its first New Zealand channel partner with Mindfull, a business solutions provider with more than 250 local and international clients.
More than $3 million of funding will help divert 40,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste from landfills in Auckland every year.
The Rhenus Group now has its own entity in New Zealand -- Rhenus Logistics NZ. The first business site commences operation in Auckland on 20 August 2018. Rhenus Logistics NZ will provide comprehensive international and domestic logistic solutions as well as customs consultancy with a strong focus on the customer experience offering both 4PL & 5PL solutions.
New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Louis Houlbrooke responds to the Government signalling it is likely to increase the waste levy.
The Council of Trade Unions Secretary Sam Huggard said today that unions were supporting a public health system that listened to and valued the advice of clinicians, in response to the Association of Salaried Medical Specialist’s concerns about our pathology services.
Principals and teachers today enter their 21st day of talks since May, and are hopeful negotiations will lead to progress towards a settlement following strike action and an out-pouring of public support last week.
Easily absorbed, factual, and digested information imperative claims in this conversation with MSC Newswire National Press Club NZ president Peter Isaac
Fare Updates For Week Ending Saturday 01 September 2018 shown in red
The 19th annual AmCham DHL Express Success & Innovation Awards were held at the Pullman Auckland Hotel last night, with Tourism Holdings winning the Supreme Award for doing business with the United States.
Palace of the Alhambra, Spain
By: Charles Nathaniel Worsley (1862-1923)
From the collection of Sir Heaton Rhodes
Oil on canvas - 118cm x 162cm
Valued $12,000 - $18,000
Offers invited over $9,000
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242
Mount Egmont with Lake
By: John Philemon Backhouse (1845-1908)
Oil on Sea Shell - 13cm x 14cm
Valued $2,000-$3,000
Offers invited over $1,500
Contact: Henry Newrick – (+64 ) 27 471 2242