Government to Blame as Much as Council for Marryatt Payout
Government to Blame as Much as Council for Marryatt Payout
24 October 2014
The Taxpayers' Union is calling on the Government to fix the employment law regime that has forced Christchurch ratepayers to fork out $800,000 to former Council boss Tony Marryatt. Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:
"How many cases of enormous golden handshakes do we need before the Government calls time on this madness?”
"It was clear back in 2011 that the citizens of Christchurch and the City Council had lost confidence in Mr Marryatt. Why should ratepayers be forced to pay for an under-performing executive to walk the plank?"
“It’s nuts that those earning over half a million are ‘protected’ by the same employment rights that apply to those on the minimum wage. For Mr Marryatt, employment law meant five months on paid leave while the council figured out how to get rid of him and now a $800,000 payout. How is that fair for ratepayers?”
Responding to the apparent acceptance of $93,206 relating to a pay rise Mr Marryatt had previously publicly declined, Mr Williams says:
"If Mr Marryatt has a shred of respect for the ratepayers he appears to have mislead, he will return the money or at the very least donate it to charity."
The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union is an independent activist group, dedicated to being the voice for Kiwi taxpayers in the corridors of power. It’s here to fight government waste and make sure New Zealanders get value for money from their tax dollar.
ENDS