Emergency Budget: Delays to Kauri Track Upgrades
Auckland Council are proposing to defer many of the bush track upgrades that the Kaipātiki Local Board has secured to protect our precious kauri trees from dieback disease. This will be done as part of a 50% reduction (approx $7mill) to the kauri tracks budget across Auckland in regional and local parks. [Note: The budget documents incorrectly say it will be a 35% reduction].
This will mean that many tracks we were expecting to re-open or begin work in 2020/21 will will be delayed by 1 or more years. This will have a roll-on effect, meaning that trackwork planned for the following year (2021/22) will also be pushed out, and so on.
The details around this are still to be determined, but will affect the following parks in some way:
* Birkenhead War Memorial Park - Stage 2
* Eskdale Reserve Network - Stage 3
* Fernglen Native Plant Gardens
* Kauri Glen Reserve - Stages 3-4
* Leigh Scenic Reserve - Stages 1-2
* LeRoys Bush Reserve - Stage 3
* Chatswood Reserve - Stages 2-4
* Rangatira Reserve - Stage 2
* Soldiers Bay (track from Island Bay Road)
Fortunately work already contracted will continue, including Eskdale Reserve Network Stage 2, Kauri Glen Reserve Stage 2, LeRoys Bush Reserve Stage 2.
A couple more kauri budget gems:
* "Reduced kauri dieback compliance monitoring through fewer contracted enforcement staff"
* "Some reduction in large pest reduction programme and Kauri dieback research"
Please have your say on the budget here: akhaveyoursay.nz...
Consultation is open until Friday 19 June.
Download PDFs of the consultation document and supporting information here: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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0% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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0% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Free Breathwork Session - Wed 25th Feb
Feeling constantly activated? Running on stress as your baseline?
Join us for a free breathwork session Wednesday, 25th Feb.
Learn how to shift from reacting to responding. From chaos to clarity.
What you'll experience:
* Reduced stress and genuine calm
* Mental clarity and creative flow
* Better sleep and emotional processing
* Tools you can use anytime, anywhere
No experience needed. No special equipment. Just you and your breath.
Details:
📅 Wednesday, 25th Feb
⏰ 7 - 8 pm
📍 Birkenhead
💰 Completely free
Led by Kelly & Jason, certified breathwork instructors from our community.
Spaces are limited. Text 027 555 5907 to reserve your spot (limit 20 spaces).
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