Be heard on Auckland Council’s annual budget

Aucklanders can soon make submissions on Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Budget when public consultation opens in late February.

The proposal includes consulting on significant reductions in council group spending to help balance the budget, and a range of other measures such as increasing general rates, prudent use of debt and the sale of Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) shares to counter some extraordinary economic conditions.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

Chair Toni van Tonder says it’s important that people in the community engage in the consultation and share their thoughts, as this helps inform the board’s decision-making when developing their response to the budget. Periods of budget constraint are an especially crucial time for communities to share their feedback.

“For the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, the current draft budget proposes that we cut our local discretionary spending by $810,000. This is money we use to support our local arts organisations, community and youth programmes, environment and climate response, library hours and services as well as local event delivery.

That’s why now, more than ever, we need to hear from you about what you can and can’t live without and we need your direction on how to prioritise our limited local budgets.

“We accept it’s time to be more targeted in our approach, or that we may need to consolidate, reduce or discontinue some services. However, these decisions must be made alongside the community because they will impact you.”

Some topics have already been agreed upon for consultation so that Aucklanders will be able to have their say on a range of options.

The mayor’s proposal outlines changes that would increase rates for the average household by around 4.6 per cent or about $150 a year $3 a week. It includes a 7 per cent rates increase that is lowered by reducing targeted rates for the environment and water quality.

Consultation will include selling the airport shares for around $1.9 billion to repay debt, keeping the shares, or retaining a smaller holding.

Keep an eye on akhaveyoursay.nz/ budget for the latest consultation information.

CONTACT US: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/devonporttakapuna

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