How to fund vital local projects when budgets are already stretched is the challenge facing Kaipātiki Local Board, which is asking its community for direction on the idea of a local targeted rate.
Auckland Council’s draft 10-year ‘recovery’ Budget 2021-2031 is currently out for public feedback and the local board is using it to find out if people in the area want us to investigate the option of a targeted rate to fund specific local projects.
“Our local board budget is being squeezed, but there is still a lot that the local board would like to achieve for the community,” says local board chair John Gillon,
“So we are dipping our toe in the water to see if there is support from Kaipātiki residents for an additional rate to pay for local projects that otherwise may take many years to achieve.”
“We have nominated three projects to choose from, and if there is support for a targeted rate to fund one or more of them. Then we will go back out to consultation with more details on the project, the proposed rate amount, and whether the proposed rate will apply to all or just part of the Kaipātiki Local Board area.”
The three nominated projects are:
- Addressing flooding and seawater inundation at Little Shoal Bay
- Multi-sport facility and improved aquatic play space at Birkenhead War Memorial Park
- Commuter and recreational walking and cycling links, such as shared paths, bush tracks, and connections to the Northern Pathway (to be prioritised in the update of the Kaipātiki Connections Network Plan).
Deputy chairperson Danielle Grant says the board has not taken a position on the outcome of introducing a targeted rate.
“The local board members know that these three projects are supported by our community, and we have already included them in our 2020 Local Board Plan.
“But now we need to hear from our community on whether we should introduce a targeted rate to ensure that they can go ahead.”
As part of the targeted rate question, the board is also asking on how much ratepayers would be prepared to pay in addition to their general rates.
Local priorities
As well as the targeted rate questions, the local board also wants your feedback on its priorities for the 2021-2022 year as well as the initiatives it will advocate to the Auckland Council Governing Body for inclusion in the 10-year Budget.
“Our natural environment is one of the most defining aspects of living in Kaipātiki, and so our proposals have a strong focus on our environmental programmes including kauri dieback disease mitigation, and investment into our parks, playgrounds and open spaces,” says John Gillon.
Find out more about what Kaipātiki Local Board proposed priorities.
Next steps
- If the feedback indicates the community is in favour of the local board investigating a targeted rate, it will work with council staff to come up with more detailed information on the project costs and benefits
- Once a proposed rate and the project for which that rate is proposed are identified, the community will once again be consulted through the council's annual budget process
- Only the council’s Governing Body (which includes the Mayor and councillors) can strike the rates for Auckland Council residents and businesses, although a local targeted rate will need to be put forward and supported by the Kaipātiki Local Board.
Ways to have your say
Go to akhaveyoursay.nz/recoverybudget to read the consultation document and supporting information and to make a submission. You'll also find videos, translated information, information on specific topics and event and webinar details.
We have two local meetings where you can come and talk to elected members.
Wednesday 17 March
Have your say hearing
6pm-8.30pm
Kaipātiki Local Board office, Glenfield
All welcome, although if you wish to speak, you will need to kaipatikilocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to book a speaking spot.
Saturday 13 March
Have your say at Little Shoal Bay
Drop by any time between 10am-1pm
Little Shoal Bay Reserve, Northcote.
All events are subject to change depending on Alert Levels so please check online first for any updates.
