Researcher Max Rashbrooke says huge pay rises for public servants are often "hard to justify".
His comments come after documents revealed New Zealand Superannuation Fund chief executive Adrian Orr received a significant pay increase last year.
"There is very little evidence, actually, that these people are so incredibly talented they make such a difference that they deserve these pay rates," Mr Rashbrooke said.Â
Prime Minister Bill English originally declined to approve a proposed increase which could have been as high as 35.6 per cent if Orr had achieved his maximum bonus.
Ultimately Orr received a 15.8 per cent increase to his base remuneration.
On a total remuneration basis (excluding KiwiSaver), he received a 23.4 per cent increase taking his taxable income to $1.03m.
LISTEN ABOVE: Max Rashbrooke speaks to Andrew Dickens
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you
