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“The proposals squeeze groups from both sides – grants go down and costs go up,” Irwin says. “Yet what these organisations do, is make Auckland a richer place. Already groups such as ours are on the back foot – especially around here, where we are supported less than in other parts of Auckland.”

He says the arts centre already does a lot of the work on its facility itself, with Council only coming in if there is a major maintenance issue. It also brings in as much as possible from classes and exhibition fees.

“If these increases happen, we would have to consider raising membership, exhibition and class fees – yet we are a community facility. Being accessible to all is key.”

Accessibility is also key for the Hibiscus Men’s Shed. Chair Maurice Browning says the proposals, together with a big hike in insurance costs, mean they also face having to raise membership fees.

“A 1299 percent increase in our peppercorn rental (from $1 to $1300) – where did that come from?” he says. “We will be making a submission.”

The proposed increases don’t affect current leases, only coming into play once leases are up for renewal. Local boards are given the option of whether to adjust the fees, which Hibiscus & Bays Local Board deputy chair, Julia Parfitt, says it puts them in a very difficult position.

“This is not a local board initiative – it was hatched at Council. We have not been involved in the development of these guidelines and we are fully aware how many local groups could be affected,” she says. “We are asking how those increased sums were arrived at.”

Parfitt says it is vital that submissions be made on the proposals, before it is too late – submissions close next week (see Box).

“The local board has the right to reduce or waiver fees, so we need submissions that clearly state a group’s situation, the use the facility gets, and the potential effect on them.”