Six-figure exit package for lines CEO

Grady Cameron, chief executive of Otago lines company Aurora Energy, will receive a six-figure golden handshake.

The exit package from the council-owned company, which came under fire for its power pole replacement, will take his remuneration for the year to $980,000.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull criticised the ‘‘excessive’’ pay-out.

Cameron was on a $560,000 salary, meaning he was set to receive an extra than $420,000 when his contract finished at the end of the year.

When Cull was made aware of the contractual entitlement, he said he made his views clear to Dunedin City Holdings Ltd chairman Graham Crombie.

‘‘I understand that executive salaries need to be market-based and that, legally, neither I nor the council can interfere in the operations or employment arrangements of the companies.

‘‘However, I have sought and received assurance from Mr Crombie that he has worked with the companies to ensure that the employment terms and conditions for company executives show restraint while also being fair to employees.’’

The package was outlined in Aurora Energy’s sister company Delta’s annual report, which was released as part of a Dunedin City Council agenda.

Councillor Lee Vandervis said he raised concerns about Cameron’s salary in 2011.

He had since been concerned about the company, including deferred maintenance, he said.

Concerns over the company’s infrastructure maintenance prompted an independent review.

Cameron would remain interim Aurora Energy chief executive until the end of 2017.

The company has proached for comment. been ap-