Gough Commits $100K Donation to Mayor’s Welfare Fund This Year

Gough, a former city councillor, has pledged to donate his earnings of $100,421 from his role on the Transwaste board to the Mayor’s Welfare Fund. He stated that this donation will occur “well before Christmas.” The commitment comes after Gough’s term on the board concluded recently, marking a significant step in fulfilling his obligation as a city councillor to donate directorship earnings.

City councillors are required to contribute their earnings from directorships to council-related companies annually. Gough, however, did not make this donation during his tenure, which began in February 2023. He had previously indicated in April that he would donate his earnings at the end of his term, which concluded just two days ago. Gough was the only councillor from the last term who did not donate to the fund.

The Mayor’s Welfare Fund serves as an emergency resource for individuals facing financial difficulties who do not qualify for government assistance. Gough did not seek re-election in the October local body elections, but he successfully became a member of the Waimāero Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board.

When questioned about the pending donation, Gough explained that the processing of tax and accounting requirements is currently underway. “Nothing has changed for me and as I’ve said from the outset, I will be donating them to the Mayor’s Welfare Fund,” he stated. He anticipates that the donation process will be finalized in a few weeks. Gough has communicated with the chair of the Mayor’s Welfare Fund, who is reportedly “totally comfortable” with the timeline.

Gough has pointed out that the tax implications associated with donating his earnings from Transwaste differ from those of other council directorships. Since Transwaste is a joint venture among multiple Canterbury councils and not solely owned by the city council, the earnings are paid directly to him. This complexity has led Gough to conclude that making a single donation for all three years of earnings would be more efficient than annual contributions.

The earnings Gough received from Transwaste include $13,363 for 2023, $41,091 for 2024, and $43,967 for 2025. He plans to donate the total amount once the necessary tax adjustments have been completed. “As soon as the work is done with the tax elements taken into account and offset, then I can donate the full amount,” he added.

This commitment reflects Gough’s intention to support community members in need, demonstrating a dedication to fulfilling his civic responsibilities even after his tenure as a city councillor.