The chairman of the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research has admitted its chief executive's salary was reported incorrectly in an annual report.
NIWA chairman Chris Mace says the report for 2007 to 2008 said John Morgan's salary was in the $420,000 to $430,000 band, when it was actually between $480,000 to $490,000.
Mr Mace says the error occurred because Mr Morgan's bonus was not included in the figure for that year.
Mr Morgan currently receives a salary of more than $550,000.
A spokesperson for NIWA says Mr Morgan has received a pay increase of more than $60,000 since he began working there in 2007. His next salary review is scheduled for July next year.
Research, Science and Technology Minister Wayne Mapp says though it is up to NIWA's board to choose how much it pays its executives, a reminder about spending would not go amiss, and he will send it a letter suggesting that spending be restrained.
