Media response - CEO appointment

Published on 15 January 2026

Enquiry - Selwyn Times (NZ)

I am a reporter from Selwyn Times in NZ, the paper covering where Sharon Mason worked up until this week.

I am enquiring to see what date Sharon Mason will start, and when this date was argreed to?

Can you also please confirm her new slaray, which I understand was due to be made public today? 

Response

Ms Mason will commence as CEO of the City of Onkaparinga on 16 February.

Ms Mason will receive a total remuneration package of $405k, plus a maximum one-off allowance for relocation capped at $20,000, with no entitlement to the full allowance amount if costs are lower.

The salary bands for council CEOs are not set by councils.

These are set by the independent South Australian Local Government Remuneration Tribunal.

The City of Onkaparinga is the largest metropolitan council in South Australia and is classified as a Band 1 council due to its size, operating revenue and population.

Councils must comply with Tribunal determinations.

ENDS