Top Paid Chief Executives
Highest remunerated public sector leaders for 2024/25
$767.9M
$715.0M
$7679.0M
2024/25
| Rank | Name | Agency | Type | 2024/25 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew McKenzie Chief Executive | Kāinga Ora–Homes and Communities | Crown Entity | $1066K | Current |
| 2 | Margie Apa Chief Executive | Health New Zealand — Te Whatu Ora | Crown Entity | $882K | Current |
| 3 | Dawn Freshwater Vice-Chancellor | The University of Auckland | Tertiary Education Institution | $806K | Current |
| 4 | Glenys Talivai Chief Executive | Public Trust | Crown Entity | $793K | Current |
| 5 | Dr John Small Chair | Commerce Commission | Crown Agent | $716K | Current |
| 6 | Megan Main Chief Executive | ACC | Crown Entity | $714K | Current |
| 7 | John Ryan Controller and Auditor-General | Controller and Auditor-General | Statutory Officer | $689K | Current |
| 8 | Tony Davies Chief Executive | Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force | Statutory Officer | $684K | Current |
| 9 | Una Jagose Chief Executive | Crown Law | Crown Entity | $670K | Current |
| 10 | Peter Chrisp Chief Executive | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise | Crown Entity | $659K | Current |
| 11 | Grant Robertson Vice-Chancellor | University of Otago | Tertiary Education Institution | $645K | Current |
| 12 | Samantha Barrass Chief Executive | Financial Markets Authority | Crown Agent | $639K | Current |
| 13 | Andrew Kibblewhite Chief Executive | Te Tāhū o te Ture - Ministry of Justice | Public Service Department | $636K | Current |
| 14 | Debbie Power Chief Executive | Ministry of Social Development | Public Service Department | $625K | Current |
| 15 | Tim Fowler Chief Executive | Tertiary Education Commission – Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Crown Agent | $625K | Current |
| 16 | Carolyn Tremain Chief Executive | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment | Public Service Department | $623K | Current |
| 17 | Nicolas Smith Vice-Chancellor | Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington | Tertiary Education Institution | $619K | Current |
| 18 | Gus Gilmore Chief Executive | Te Pūkenga (NZ Institute of Skills and Technology) | Crown Entity | $617K | Current |
| 19 | Cheryl de la Rey Vice-Chancellor | University of Canterbury | Tertiary Education Institution | $615K | Current |
| 20 | Jason Delamore Chief Executive | Lotto NZ | Crown Entity | $597K | Current |
Public vs Private Sector Comparison
For context, NZX50 CEO total remuneration packages are typically higher than public sector equivalents, often including performance bonuses and share-based payments.
View NZX executive remuneration dataData Source
Chief executive remuneration data is sourced from Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission. Data is updated twice yearly as at 30 June and 31 December.
Disclosure figures are based on each chief executive's annual remuneration package including base salary, superannuation contributions, and other benefits where applicable. Redundancy and termination payments are included where they fall within the disclosure period.
Data sourced from Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission. Our datasets may not be complete. Automated analysis can produce errors. Scores are calculated using disclosed methodology and are analytical tools, not investment ratings or recommendations. If you believe any data on this page is incorrect, please contact us at hello@nzxplorer.co.nz.
For informational purposes only. Not investment advice.