Manawatū District Councillors Hilary Humphrey and Shane Casey say it's difficult to attract young talent to serve on public bodies. Councillors in rural towns are forced to live double lives as they juggle council duties with the need to put food on the table. The next local body election will take place in October, but Humphrey believes the modest wage could hinder newcomers. Although councillors were paid for 20 hours each week, Casey worked out he was paid about $9 an hour after tax. There was no group for young elected members when Casey, 43, was first elected in 2013.

Source: Stuff February 25, 2019 05:15 UTC