Auckland Council’s Appointments and Performance Review Committee today agreed to a modest increase to board member fees for some council-controlled organisations.
The committee approved a ‘balanced conservative’ increase to board member remuneration that will apply to Watercare, Auckland Transport (the new Public Transport CCO) and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, with no change for Auckland Future Fund Trustee Limited.
Councillor Daniel Newman, chair of the council’s Appointments and Performance Review Committee, reconsidered the report before the committee gave unanimous support to a phased remuneration increase for CCO board members.
“The committee is more comfortable with the revised remuneration levels agreed today. Our decision to grant an increase reflects the complexity of the governance roles at our lead CCOs roles relative to the market, while also showing financial restraint in the current economy,” says Cr Newman.
The review considered the size, scale, complexity and scope of each CCO, applied benchmarking against comparative entities, and measured movements in the market for director remuneration.
The remuneration policy indicates that board member fees should be set at or below the rate for comparable private-sector organisations, recognising the public-service element associated with serving on a CCO board.
Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson previously noted the value of a cautious approach while keeping pace with inflation.
“Today’s considered increase accounts for the governance challenges faced by each different CCO and goes some way to help us attract and retain directors with the skills and experience required to govern these significant council organisations,” says Mr Wilson.
A previous report tabled to the committee on 30 July 2026 was withdrawn and directed to receive further consideration.
The fee increases will be 3.2 per cent annually for three years for Auckland Transport and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, phased from $57,960 to $61,720. Watercare board members will receive 5.8 per cent annually for three years, phased from $59,400 to $66,440.
The remuneration remains unchanged for the Auckland Future Fund Trustee Limited at $42,750 for a current ordinary director and $72,675 for the chair.
The council’s remuneration policy requires a three-yearly remuneration review of substantive CCOs. A previous review of CCO board member fees occurred in 2023.
The CCO board member fee increases approved today, where applicable, will apply from 1 September 2026.
The committee report is available here