The interim chief executive at Waikato District Health Board took $50,000 less in salary than he was offered because he says it was the right thing to do.
Derek Wright is earning more than $100,000 less than Dr Nigel Murray was when he resigned amid an expenses scandal in October last year.
Murray was earning between $560,000 and $570,000, but Wright said his salary increase to take on the interim CEO role until at least January next year was more than enough.
"I was offered $50,000 more than I accepted. These are big jobs. This is a $1.4 billion business. We're a big organisation. That type of salary is probably needed to attract the right people. But I was already in the organisation. I was earning a salary. What I accepted was still significantly more than I was receiving. I knew that this DHB had some financial issues. Did I really want to add to the financial issues? And how much money can you spend, to be honest."
Wright is grappling with a $21 million deficit and a DHB with low morale, a marred reputation and loss of public confidence following the Murray debacle.