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...
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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80.2% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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19.8% No. This would be impossible in practice.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53.8% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.1% Critical thinking
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29.4% Resilience and adaptability
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2.7% Other - I will share below!
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