With only three days remaining in the Auckland Council Recovery Budget Consultation timeframe, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward Councillor and Local Board Chair are encouraging their community to get online and have a say.
“Elected members were unable to get out to discuss the proposals with our community as much as we would have liked, due to COVID-19 restrictions, so with less than a week to go we are feedback online where the community, individuals and groups can learn more and provide input” explains Chris Makoare, Chair of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board.
“Most of the questions we have received to date are around the proposed increase in rates, which we are have been able to clarify is a proposed 5 per cent rates increase is for the first year only, the following two years the rates increase reverts back to 3.5 per cent. For most in our local board area, this will result in an average $137 additional rates this year."
"It also means that we shouldn’t have to close our libraries and that service levels across our parks and facilities won’t significantly drop.
“The focus of the Recovery Budget is working with a $540 million revenue shortfall without impacting on those elements of what council. Service quality, much-needed infrastructure improvements and renewals, to name just a few,” explains Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley.
“Many who live in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward have spoken about their concerns for water quality, transport accessibility as well as fear of losing much-anticipated improvements to their communities. It is incredibly useful input, because it helps the decision makers create a long-term plan for the city that takes into account what matters most to the community. While the Council is committed to reducing costs and doing things differently, your voice helps us determine where the priorities should be.”
Public feedback closes midday, 22 March 2021.
The full Consultation Document and supporting information along with feedback forms are available at akhaveyoursay.nz/recoverybudget, and are available at service centres, libraries and the local board office, or by phoning 09 301 0101.
