Waitākere will benefit from Auckland Council’s record capital investment over the next 10 years focussed on keeping the city running and continuing to build for the future.
The council’s Governing Body adopted the 10-year Budget (2021-2031) last week which provides for a $31.8 billion capital expenditure programme. The spending is at its highest level ever despite the difficult financial circumstances the organisation is facing in the short term.
Ward Councillors Linda Cooper and Shane Henderson say despite those pressures, this recovery budget still enables the organisation to deliver on those activities and services Aucklanders expect while also investing in protecting the environment and improving water quality, reducing emissions and investing in our communities
“From addressing the transport challenges the west faces through to doing more for the environment, Waitākere will benefit from this budget,” says Cooper. For example, funding will be increased to tackle kauri dieback - which is plaguing our Waitākere Ranges. This will be an important step in the fight for the very essence of the ranges and will enable more tracks to be reopened in the future.”
Councillor Henderson agrees and says the transport benefits will also be substantial. “The recovery budget will increase funding for the Te Whau Pathway, which will play an enormous role in transforming our transport choices over the next decade. Along with that, funding improvements to our existing transport network, improving public transport and investing in safety measures will genuinely make a difference out west.”
Local investment
The budget is also making a difference at a local level too.
Henderson-Massey Local Board chair Vanessa Neeson says that there are several important initiatives being funded through the budget.
“Projects including upgrading well-used community facilities such as Te Pae o Kura will make a big difference to our communities.
“This has been a challenging past 12 months and as such the board is pleased that there is still so much that will be done in our area despite the budgetary squeeze.”
While Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Saffron Toms says that the budget is enabling projects that tackle wide reaching challenges.
“Doing all we can to mitigate the impact of climate change is vital, so funding Climate Action, which will do just that, is really pleasing. In addition, as our communities grow, more facilities and parks for our growing neighbourhoods will also make a big difference, amongst other things.
“However, the board will also play its role in scrutinising any proposed asset sales in the area which is also part of the budget. We believe that asset sales should be a last resort especially if it will take away something valuable to our community.”
Among the local asset improvements budgeted for in the plan in the Henderson-Massey and Waitākere Ranges Local Board areas are:
Henderson-Massey Local Board area
- Parks and playgrounds improvements - $2.7 million for new and upgraded play
- Ope Hauāuru -Local Enviroschools programme- $151,000 to increase engagement with local schools, growing capacity within local communities and bring communities together.
- Te Whau Pathway – approximately $16.1 million for the development of a shared path on Te Whau River that will connect communities, provide access and enjoyment of Te Whau.
- Te Pae o Kura / Kelston Community Centre – comprehensive renewal. $6.6million to provide an upgrade of the community centre
Waitākere Ranges Local Board area
- Climate Action Programme - Waitākere Ranges $100,000 to fund a three-year community-based climate action programme to guide design, prioritisation and implementation of mitigation actions.
- Youth Economy (Youth Connections) - $75,000 funding for Social Enterprise Project for Youth led by local rangatahi.
- Singer Park – $723,000 to upgrade sports lighting, sports field, improved sports facilities.
- Sunvue Park - $75,000 to develop cultural park features. Engage with locally based Maori youth to facilitate the design and installation of cultural features in Sunvue Park.
- Penihana Neighbourhood Park - $300,000 to develop a new neighbourhood park to meet the needs of the growing community in the new Swanson subdivision in the area.
As part of the 10-year Budget, each of the local boards also consulted on its Local Board Agreements for 2021/2022 year which outline its priorities, activities, and budgets for the 2021/2022 year.
