His sudden and immediate resignation on June 17 has remained shrouded in secrecy.
However, the council’s latest annual report reveals a CE severance payment figure of $190,947 — almost three times the average New Zealand salary
The golden handshake was part of Mr Bastion’s total remuneration package of $550,457 for the year.
The Guardian had asked under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act for details of any monetary settlement reached with Mr Bastion.
However, the request was declined by acting chief executive Scott Baxendale in part due to privacy reasons, and because it was to be made available in the annual report.
That was to be signed off in a special meeting of the council yesterday afternoon.
The audited financials for the year to June 30 show Mr Bastion’s remuneration for the previous year was $262,302.
During his time at the helm Mr Bastion also had a council vehicle — valued last year at $36,539.
Staff would not confirm yesterday whether he kept the car.
"We cannot comment on individual items of the severance payment," a spokeswoman said.
Mr Bastion’s severance is more than double that paid to former chief executive Tanya Winter, who left with $85,000 in 2017.
Her exit was more public and followed a personal grievance being lodged after she was stood down by former mayor Bruce Smith pending an investigation into her conduct.
That financial year two further severance payments with a combined value of $145,000 were made to two other staff members.
The latest report shows the council has 76 staff — up from 67 last year.
A total of $6.59million was paid in salaries and wages — $528,000 more than budgeted.
Six staff earned between $140,000 and $220,000. Banding of over $220,000 was not comparable this year, with Mr Baxendale only filling the top seat for two weeks before the end of year square-up.
Meanwhile, elected members were remunerated a total of $351,973 during the same period.
Incumbent mayor Helen Lash was the best paid on $105,174, followed by deputy mayor Ashley Cassin on $50,000 while councillors received between $28,046 and $28,506 each.
More than $1.1m was also spent on consultants and legal fees in the 12 months — a $466,000 overspend on what was set aside.
- By Janna Sherman
