City councillors have decided not to vote themselves ratepayer-funded childcare just weeks out from the local body elections. However, councillors agreed with a city council staff recommendation the policy only apply to community board members. City councillors are paid $102,400 a year, compared to community board members whose remuneration is between $9864 and $24,580. Yani Johanson, James Gough and Aaron Keown were the only city councillors to vote against community board members receiving the childcare reimbursement. Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner said he supported the policy for community board members but not councillors.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 26, 2019 17:03 UTC