Foreign Affairs chief executive John Allen has defended taking a $40,000 pay rise at a time of job cuts at his ministry, saying he did not believe it was a bad look.

Developers of the Novopay school payroll system have apologised over the ongoing pay problems that have pushed schools and their staff to breaking point.

Former Meridian Energy chief executive Tim Lusk was paid $1.37 million, including more than $800,000 in bonuses, during his last six months with the SOE.

Employment is a fearful responsibility, so the new youth rate is a temporary saving for employers to entice them to take a chance on a young person.

Workers' unions were quick to write off the Government's plan for a new, low, starting pay yesterday, while business leaders said it would help create jobs.

Trade unionists were quick to write off the Government's plan for a new, low, starting pay today, while business leaders said it would help create jobs.

The government will unveil the details of its version of the "youth wage" today - allowing employers to pay less than the minimum wage to many young workers.

"Frankly, I am not convinced that our CEOs are that great. In fact, they seem decidedly mediocre but not paid that way," writes Deborah Hill Cone.

Fees for board chairs have jumped in the past year as workloads increase and finance company prosecutions show the importance of directors "getting it right".

An OECD report has revealed that tertiary study adds little to New Zealanders' earning power.

The salary of Auckland Council chief executive Doug McKay has jumped from $675,000 to $768,750 in one year after an incentive bonus was rolled into his fixed pay.

Auckland Council chief executive Doug McKay pocketed $840,000 in the past year, making him one of the best paid public sector bosses in the country.

Former Telecom boss Paul Reynolds pocketed more than $12 million in cash and shares during his final year with the company.

Base pay for top executives has risen nearly 10 per cent in the past year but bonuses and incentives have come down dramatically.