Rangitikei's mayor wants councillors to be able to access KiwiSaver and the associated employee contributions with their council salaries.
Andy Watson says for many councillors, particularly in cities, it was their sole job and should be treated like any other.
His concerns will be raised in council's submission to the Remuneration Authority's review of local government funding.
At present councillors are considered self-employed and so are responsible for paying into KiwiSaver themselves.
"They are responsible for managing their own tax obligations, ACC levies and contributions to a retirement savings scheme (such as KiwiSaver)," Remuneration Authority director Mike Kunz said.