694 days ago

The impact of the Mayor's budget proposal

John Gillon from John Gillon - Kaipatiki Local Board

UPDATE: While many Councillors spoke against aspects of the Mayoral proposal, in the end it was supported by all but one Councillor, and so will now go out for public consultation in late-Feb/March. Unbelievably, no councillors put forward any amendments.
Some aspects will not be consulted on and are now effectively approved with staff to work out the exact details, including the reduction in rubbish bins, a lower level of service for garden maintenance and mowing, public transport fare increase, increase in entrance fees and reduction of opening hours for the Zoo, Art Gallery, etc. We'll need to wait to see the detail on when those kick in.

***

Today Councillors are considering the Mayor's budget proposal which would slash a large number of Council services and assets from June 2023. This is to plug a budget hole while keeping rates low. The public will get to have their say in February/March and the budget will apply from July.
If adopted, all local boards, including the Kaipātiki Local Board, could face a significant cut to our Opex budgets that we use to fund libraries, leisure centres, community centres, local events (ANZAC Day services, Christmas Parades, Movies in Parks, Summer Fun, etc) as well as funding a number of organisations to deliver community and environmental services at a lower cost than Council could provide.
The Kaipātiki Local Board gave substantial feedback on the Mayoral Proposal (attached). All local boards (including Kaipātiki) were denied speaking rights at today's meeting.

Other gems:
* Removal of around 3000 rubbish bins [not to be consulted on]
* Less garden maintenance, with an expected increase in weeds [not to be consulted on]
* Less mowing of turf - 2.5cm higher (it isn't clear if this includes sportsfields) [not to be consulted on]
* Council no longer running Kauri Kids (including Glenfield, Birkdale, Beach Haven) which could mean closure or commercialisation
* Not reinstating public transport services that have been removed recently due to bus driver shortages, etc.
* Increasing public transport prices by 6.5% (probably on top of the increase when the half-price fares end) [not to be consulted on]
* Ending ALL regional grants (inc environment, heritage, sports, arts).
* Changes to entrance fees and/or hours for the Zoo, Art Gallery, Maritime Museum, Stadiums, etc.
* Reducing stormwater maintenance [not to be consulted on]
* Numerous other cuts or changes, including to the arts, CAB, group fitness, and much more.

You can watch the meeting here:
www.youtube.com...

The Mayor's proposal:
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Staff advice on how to achieve the Mayor's proposal:
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

Image
Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64% Yes
    64% Complete
  • 33.4% No
    33.4% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I'll share below
    2.5% Complete
1577 votes
1 day ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
12 hours ago

Become an SPCA Foster Hero!

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.

Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

Sign up today and save a life!