Remuneration Authority member

On behalf of the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking applications for a member role for the Remuneration Authority.

About the Board

Remuneration Authority

The Remuneration Authority (the Authority) is established under the Remuneration Authority Act 1977. The Authority’s role is to set the remuneration, fees, certain allowances and (for some) superannuation for:

• The Governor-General.
• Members of Parliament, including the Prime Minister and Ministers.
• Judicial officers from the Chief Justice to Community Magistrates.
• Local government elected officials, including Mayors, Chairpersons, Councillors, community and local board members.
• Independent statutory officers, where the holders of the office are required to exercise a high degree of independence, as set out in the Fourth Schedule of the Remuneration Authority Act 1977, and members of Independent Crown Entities as specified in the Crown Entities Act 2004, and others specified within other Acts.

The Authority also sets:

• Annuities for former Governors-General.
• Annuities and travel services for former Prime Ministers.
• Accommodation allowances and reimbursement for Members of Parliament and travel entitlements for members’ families.

The key roles and responsibilities of the Authority are set out in the Remuneration Authority Act 1977. A number of other Acts further define the Authority’s role in relation to specific groups and individuals including:

• Governor-General Act 2010.
• Members of Parliament (Remuneration and Services) Act 2013.
• Local Government Act 2002.

The Authority issues (mainly annual) determinations on salaries, allowances and superannuation in all of these areas. In order to make these determinations, the Authority researches, receives submissions and analyses remuneration and terms and conditions including developments in other jurisdictions.

Determinations must be legislatively compliant as many of the Authority’s determinations are secondary legislation, and the others are administrative instruments that must be implemented according to their tenor.

The Authority has the ability to conduct formal hearings but very rarely operates in that manner.

Administration

The Authority is supported in its work by an Executive Director and an Analyst seconded from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment which also provides some support services. The Authority also commissions advice and research from outside experts, as needed, on matters such as job sizing, remuneration surveys, legal interpretations and other complex matters outside of the Authority’s expertise.

Board membership

Membership of the Board

• The Authority consists of three members, one of whom is appointed Chair of the Authority. The Authority is able to appoint one of the other members to be the Deputy Chair.
• Appointments are made by the Governor-General by Order in Council, on the advice of the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety.
• Members should not hold another position where the remuneration is subject to determination by the Authority, or which may be perceived as introducing a conflict of interest.

Time commitment and remuneration

The Chair and members’ fees are set in accordance with the Cabinet Fees Framework.

The daily rate for members is $990. Allowances and expenses are paid in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951.

The position is based in Wellington and currently requires a time commitment of 2.5 days per week on average over the year.  The work requirement is sometimes extensive, requiring near full time involvement, whereas other periods require substantially less time commitment. The peak period occurs in June with a lesser peak in September.

Personal specifications

Specific skills required

Candidates for the Remuneration Authority member role are required to have the following:

• Understanding and experience of remuneration setting and management.
• Numerically competent and experienced with complex spreadsheets. 
• Attention to detail in complex technical work, ensuring strict adherence to legislative requirements.

General skills relevant to members of the Authority

The Authority, by its nature, is sensitive, technical and potentially controversial. It is desirable for members to have:

• Pragmatism and flexibility.
• Judgement, tact and discretion.
• Knowledge of central and/or local government systems and processes.
• Awareness of remuneration-fixing processes, and superannuation schemes.

The Authority needs to maintain a balance of skills across its members. Ideally, the three members (including the Chair) will bring one of the skill sets of: (a) senior public sector experience; (b) senior local government experience; or (c) depth and breadth of remuneration management expertise. All must understand parliamentary processes. Each member (including the Chair) is expected to lead work relating to a specific portfolio of the Authority’s clients.

Additional information

For enquiries about the position, email: boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz