The impact of the Mayor's budget proposal
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.
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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...
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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36.3% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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63.7% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Subject: The Nepalese Culture- Worlds of Culture
To strengthen multiculturalism in New Zealand, the Centre is organizing the Multi-Ethnic Dance Festival annually and showcasing the cultures of some ethnic communities in New Zealand. The World of Cultures is adding value in this respect. On Sunday, 29 March 2026, the Centre is showcasing the various ethnic dances from Nepal.
BROCHURE FOR WORLD OF CULTURES 2026 (2) (1).pdf Download View
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