Former Environment Southland chief executive received large final payout

Tuesday 20 October 2026 · 6 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 20 Oct, 6:15pm

In this story Environment Southland

Wilma Falconer received $474,077 during her final two months as Environment Southland chief executive before retiring on 29 August 2025. The total payment included a six-figure severance amount and a car. The council has declined to specify what the severance payment related to.

How they headlined it

4:47pm6pm

1. Otago Daily TimesTue 20 Oct, 4:47pm

   Departed Southland council boss got $350k golden handshake, report reveals (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 20 Oct, 6:00pm

   Former council boss receives $474,077 in final two months (opens in new tab)

3. The PressTue 20 Oct, 6:15pm

   Retired council boss received six-figure golden handshake (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab), RNZ (opens in new tab), 1News (opens in new tab)