North Shore local boards set to lose millions
Auckland Council is currently considering a new funding model for local boards that will strip investment from the North Shore. Last week the Kaipātiki Local Board unanimously opposed it and pointed out that it may be illegal.
The new model moves away from funding local boards based on current assets and services, and instead redistributes funding based on a formula of Population, Deprivation and Land Area (80:15:5). This new formula would effectively strip millions of dollars from both the Kaipātiki Local Board and Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and give it to other local boards, meaning less investment into our area and possibly the closure of public assets (buildings, playgrounds, bridges, parks, etc) or cuts to local services. Both local boards already don’t receive adequate funding to maintain assets, so this is a real concern.
What we say:
Attached is our feedback on the proposal and an alternative fairer funding model that we have put forward. Instead of the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillors) receiving all income and allocating a small amount to be shared between the 21 local boards, we believe that each local board should instead keep a percentage of the rates raised from its own area, and then pay a levy to the Governing Body to cover regional expenses. We have provided figures showing that if the levy was set at only 33% of the rate take, that every local board would be better off and able to fulfil their obligations under the law. The Governing Body would still receive the lions’ share of 67% of rates. We have also suggested that any revenue generated from fees or charges (for example, Leisure Centre fees) should be allocated to the respective local board in addition to the rates amount.
We have also pointed out that it is potentially illegal for the proposed funding formula to not factor in the rates collected and the revenue generated in a local board area. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 clearly states that the funding formula must have regard to both rates and revenue derived from each local board area. From what we can tell, these have not been considered, let alone included, in the proposed funding formula.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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33.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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65.2% No, I enjoy it
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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39.7% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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20.9% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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35.8% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
Government targeted relief
My sister is a Pensioner living in Wellsford. She has an appointment at North Shore Hospital tomorrow afternoon at 2.45pm. The 160km round trip would cost about $50 which is too expensive. Instead, she will be taking a free shuttle leaving from Wellsford at 8am tomorrow, so will have almost 6 hours wait at hospital . It is not only families with children who are struggling. I do understand that not everyone can be accommodated in the relief, but just saying.
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