With only one week to go, over 10,000 Aucklanders have submitted feedback on Auckland Council’s Annual Budget 2023/2024, setting a busy pace for the first three weeks.
The budget outlines where the council plans to raise its revenue and what it will spend its money on, including a proposed mix of options to close a $295 million budget shortfall.
Auckland Council Group Chief Financial Officer, Peter Gudsell, is pleased with the amount of feedback received so far but says it’s important we hear from the broadest possible range of Auckland’s diverse communities.
“It’s clear Aucklanders are already engaged with this budget and we want to ensure as many people as possible are aware of this opportunity to have their voices heard before final decisions are made by the council’s Governing Body.
“A lot of the feedback received so far is from New Zealand Europeans, especially those 40 years and older, with Pasifika, Asian and Māori communities currently under-represented.
“We’ve been out and about and online at Have Your Say events, and our teams on the ground at Pasifika, Polyfest and Te Matatini say these communities are interested and engaged, but we want to see this go one step further into actual submissions.
“The online questionnaire is in an easy to answer multi-choice format, and you don’t have to answer all questions if there’s only one area you want to give your feedback on.
“We have translated information and feedback forms available for those who may not be confident in English, so don’t let a language barrier stop you.
“We would also like to see our youth and elderly audiences providing further feedback, especially those aged under 25 or over 75.
“There are some tough choices ahead and these are important decisions that will be made on behalf of Aucklanders, so it’s crucial we hear from as many as possible on the proposed mix of options to close the budget shortfall.
“Last year’s Annual Budget consultation saw a total of 11,500 pieces of feedback from Aucklanders, and we’re well on track to exceed that this year.
“We are delighted with how many people have already become involved in the process, including people attending online events, visiting our team at a festival or market, and attending a range of meetings.
“For those who haven’t yet had their say, there continues to be a range of ways to submit your feedback, whether it’s online or in person.
“All of the budget documents and feedback forms are available online, at your local library, service centre or at a Have Your Say event.
“For more information or to join a conversation, there are many Have Your Say events across the region.”
Full Annual Budget 2023/2024 consultation information can be found at akhaveyoursay.nz/budget. Feedback must be received before consultation closes at 11pm Tuesday 28 March.
