Auckland Council’s 10-year Budget 2021-2031 consultation decides the direction activities, services and investments we need to build an Auckland we can all be proud of.
This budget guides planning for the next 10 years and how we might pay for services and infrastructure we all need and will use.
In a post-COVID-19 recovery phase, a drop in Auckland Council’s revenue will have an impact on spending. Currently, over the next three years, we are at a $540 million revenue shortfall between now and 2024 – around $1 billion since the pandemic.
Now more than ever, we need to know what Aucklanders want to priorities.
“We’ve all experienced challenging times, but, together we can make considered choices to prioritise what we will need to build and recover,” says Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor Cathy Casey.
She says the impact has been felt at the local level and made people realise the importance of local facilities such as our parks and services like our libraries.
“We have always kept people’s health and well-being as our focus. Along with that, we now have an opportunity to think about doing more to support our local economy,” she says.
Along with that good public transport, protecting our natural environment and continuing to provide essential services to locals is important.
“We want to make the best decisions, so we need to know what is important. So please make sure you have your say,” says Councillor Casey.
Local feedback necessary
While the decisions on the 10-year Budget are driven by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, local board members are encouraging locals to have their say.
The Governing Body and the Local Boards are each autonomous and make decisions within their areas of responsibility. However, even if they make different types of decisions, there is an active working relationship between the Governing Body and the Local Boards.
“Local boards have a dual role in this process – we will consider your feedback for our own decisions on local issues, and also for how we advocate for our communities on regional issues,” explains Puketāpapa Local Board Chair Julie Fairey.
“By telling us what you think, locally and regionally, we can more accurately reflect your views and make better decisions.”
Albert-Eden Local Board and Puketāpapa Local Board members have heard from locals the challenges they have faced over the last few months.
"The Recovery Budget will set the council spend for the next few years. So this is an opportunity to be heard on issues and the facilities that are important to you. Please have your say,” says Albert-Eden Local Board Chair Margi Watson.
Have your say
Public feedback is now open until 22 March 2021.
Aucklanders can find out more and have their say at akhaveyoursay.nz
