Our beaches, native forests, pest-free islands, and waterways make up the unique identity of Tāmaki Makaurau – it’s part of what makes our region special.
Cr Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee says that more than $1 billion, collected specifically for environmental programmes, will be spent over the next ten years.
Strongly supported by Aucklanders, Auckland Council introduced the natural environment and water quality targeted rates in 2018. They’re one of the ways we can continue to invest, protect and restore our natural environment as well as improve water quality and clean up our waterways.
“The latest update on this work shows we’re on track with delivering these projects, proves just how beneficial targeted funding can be and is a real high note to end 2024 on,” says Cr Hills.
The Policy and Planning Committee recently received the natural environment and water quality targeted rates annual report for 2023/2024, highlighting key successes for that period.
Cr Hills welcomes the report and celebrates its findings – that Auckland Council made significant progress towards improving te taiao / our natural environment, increasing biodiversity and cleaning up our waterways in 2023/2024.
“Through Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan 2024-2034, Aucklanders submitted strongly in favour of the targeted rate programmes,” says Cr Hills.
“The Governing Body approved $350 million for a natural environment targeted rate for council and community-led action to protect and restore priority native ecosystems and threatened species. Another $661 million was committed for a water quality targeted rate for new water infrastructure to create healthy habitats for plants and animals while also cleaning up our beaches, harbours and waterways.”
“We are committed to continue to support mana whenua to actively exercise kaitiakitanga of te taiao and this report recognises the mahi undertaken in collaboration with our mana whenua and community partners.”
“As always, it is the tireless commitment and mahi from community organisations, volunteers and businesses alongside kaimahi / staff who have contributed to achieving our exceptional environmental and water quality aspirations.”
Natural Environment Targeted Rate
“The natural environment targeted rate has continued to successfully deliver programmes which are protecting and restoring priority native species and ecosystems through both council delivery and through empowering communities to take action in their local area” says Samantha Hill, General Manager Environmental Services.
“In 2023/2024 we delivered on our budget commitments and adapted to new threats such as caulerpa and freshwater gold clam. With innovation, focused investment, partnership and collaboration, we will continue to make a difference to the natural environment of Tāmaki Makaurau and deliver enduring outcomes for future generations.”
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the natural environment programme spent a total of $30.9 million against a budget of $30.9 million.
Highlights included:
Plant Pathogens
- Kauri health monitoring in the Hūnua Ranges in partnership with the Department of Conservation and ngā iwi mana whenua o Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui: Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Whanaunga, and Ngāti Tamaterā.
Islands
- 201 stoats caught by Te Korowai o Waiheke, a partnership between the council and other funders to eradicate stoats and trial rat eradication on Waiheke Island.
- 5,000+ pest animals trapped on Hauraki Gulf islands.
Mainland
- 2800ha of pest plant control in regional parks
- Possums maintained to low numbers across 141,266 hectares of rural mainland Auckland.
Biodiversity Focus Areas
- 605 bird counts undertaken across 6 local and regional parks as part of a regional bird monitoring programme.
- Regional Conservation Status Assessments for freshwater fish and birds were completed, adding to the published assessments for plants, lizards and amphibians.
Marine and pathways, and marine ecology
- 782 scheduled and unscheduled vehicle and passenger ferry sailings inspected and 1,362 vessel hulls surveyed for marine pests and level of biofouling.
- Aotea / Great Barrier Island seabird monitoring was established for the first time on the Broken and Grey Islands with the collaboration and support of Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea and Tū Mai Taonga showing great potential for seabird population recovery on these islands.
- Enhancements to our conservation management system lifted our data management and decision-making capability.
Expanding community action
- 520 community-led conservation initiatives supported with $2.4 million worth of grants and practical tools and equipment.
Water Quality Targeted Rate
“The water quality targeted rate provides investment for new stormwater infrastructure and initiatives to reduce wastewater, sediment and other pollutants contaminating our waterways and marine environment. The investment is dedicated to achieving cleaner harbours, beaches and streams,” says Craig Mcilroy, General Manager Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience.
“Programmes funded, in part or in full, by the targeted rate aim to reduce public health risks from wastewater overflows and pollutants, and to improve the ecology of our waterways. Over time, the aim is also to reduce Safeswim public health warnings at recreational beaches across Auckland.”
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the water quality programme spent a total of $45.7 million against a budget of $43.6 million.
Highlights include:
Western isthmus water quality improvement
- 29.7ha of land served by installed stormwater treatment.
- 221 properties separated from combined network.
- 3,334 houses to benefit from storm water separation.
Eastern isthmus water quality improvement
- 944 houses to benefit from storm separation.
- 12.2km of stormwater pipe identified to be separated.
Safe Networks
- 40 stormwater catchments investigated.
- 2,000 properties visited to inspect private drainage connections.
Urban and rural stream rehabilitation
- Over 1,100 green infrastructure assets maintained by the 2-in-a-Ute programme.
- 17 grants awarded through Waterways Protection Fund which will protect 32.8ha of riparian area.
Read the full natural environment and water quality targeted rates annual report here.
