Banks' pay rise goes in stray kitty

John Banks is spending his $10,000 pay rise on Auckland's stray cats.

The city's mayor said he didn't think it was appropriate to accept an increase on his $160,382 salary.

"I have told anyone who will listen that I don't want a pay rise," he said.

"I'm going to give the money to support the stray cats of Auckland. The little moggies will benefit, but I certainly don't want to benefit in these difficult times."

Banks is the latest in a string of mayors to give away salary increases awarded by the independent Remuneration Authority.

Politicians traditionally have no say in whether their pay is increased, but this year the authority has written to councils indicating they may consider requests for a zero increase.

Christchurch's Bob Parker will give the extra $5032 he received on top of last year's salary of $158,000 to charity.

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast has already signalled a $5493 increase, taking her annual salary to $153,660, will also go to charity.

Councillors in Auckland's North Shore will ask the authority to approve a zero increase for the city's politicians but Mayor Andrew Williams said he'd "probably look at" contributing his $3932 increase to charity if the request is refused.

Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby said he wouldn't draw down the $9852 increase proposed by the authority.

But Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock said his council's decision to accept pay increases was unanimous.

"The Remuneration Authority protects us from determining our own salaries, and I think that's a very safe place to be."

He said many councillors would donate the increase to charity, but wouldn't say if the extra $5508 which takes his salary to $132,660, would go to a worthy cause.

"I make contributions to charity, but that's my business," he said.

Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin also said it was private matter.

The authority would prefer politicians to accept increases to prevent the possibility of bigger catch-up rises next year. Prime Minister John Key has urged the authority to freeze MPs salaries this year, a moved that received unanimous backing in Parliament.