Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board Chair Izzy Fordham is urging residents to speak up during Auckland Council’s 10-year Budget consultation, closing next week on 22 March.
Auckland Council’s ‘Recovery Budget’ will determine council spending across the Auckland region for the next 10-years and aims to help the region recover from the on-going impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
The local board is advocating for more support for Aotea to increase its resilience, in particular around water and food security.
Chair Izzy Fordham says the board wants a future for Aotea where the food and water supply is safe and secure.
“We’re advocating to Auckland Council’s Governing Body to establish an emergency water supply and water security plan for Aotea.
“We want to continue with our community initiatives like seed banking, environmental projects, abattoir, island fish and farmers’ markets.
“We need your collective voices to let council know that food and water security is crucial for Aotea and that support for these initiatives should be prioritised.
“We’re also advocating for, and proposing support for a number of other initiatives that will impact the island positively. We need your feedback on all of these.
“Increased marine protection, continued support for mana whenua and our community groups, how we respond to the impacts of tourism and climate change - this budget will touch on so many areas that affect our island. We need you to have a say.”
Councillor for Waitematā and Gulf Councillor Pippa Coom says she really appreciated hearing directly from Aotea residents about local priorities on a recent visit to the island.
“Everyone can give official feedback during the Recovery Budget consultation. Now is your chance to let us know where and how you think money should be spent over the next 10-years.”
Find out more and have your say online by 12-noon Monday 22 March 2021 at akhaveyoursay.nz/RecoveryBudget
