Auckland Council is now consulting on its 10-year Recovery Budget and Manukau Ward Councillors Alf Filipaina and Fa’anana Efeso Collins are calling on South Aucklanders to have their say.
“The Recovery Budget is our plan for the next 10 years. It contains record investment in water, transport and facilities and will shape Auckland’s development for future generations,” says Councillor Filipaina.
“The South has also been hit hard by COVID-19. Our residents are more likely to be working on the front line, in a range of essential services, as well as at the airport, and on the border.
"Our community has been through a lot, and time again we have shown our strength.”
COVID-19 is having a long-lasting financial impact on Auckland Council. Its income is expected to fall by about $540 million over the next three years, totalling close to $1 billion, including the $450 million lost in 2020.
“There is a lot we need to do with limited funding. We are also aware of the financial pressures faced by some residents across the region.
“Looking ahead, the council needs to make some tough decisions about how we recover as a region, and how we can build back even better to support our communities in South Auckland.
“Auckland Council’s local services are important. Our parks, libraries and community facilities provide valuable spaces for people, and we want to continue to invest in these spaces.
“We also want to continue to provide better public transport, to protect our environment, and to take steps to improve the water quality of the Manukau Harbour."
The Recovery Budget proposes to balance additional investment by finding operational savings within council operations, selling the surplus properties we no longer need, and moderately increasing our debt levels.
Councillor Collins adds “The Recovery Budget maintains our long-term commitment to an annual 3.5 per cent rates increase with a one-off increase of 5 per cent in the year 2021/2022.
“We know you and your whānau/aiga are busy but getting your feedback on the long-term plan can help us to invest into the right places and projects.
“Often the voices that come through loudest in our public consultations are not those with the greatest need, and we want to hear your views from our community and across Tāmaki Makaurau.”
Have your say
Tell us what you want to help shape your local community and the Auckland region. Public feedback is now open until 22 March 2021.
You can have your say in a variety of ways including at in-person events and online.
For more information visit akhaveyoursay.nz/recoverybudget
