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Resolution number FIN/2015/11
MOVED
by Cr CM Penrose, seconded by Chairperson MP Webster:
That the Finance and
Performance Committee:
a) note the
performance report for the six months ended 31 December 2014, highlighting:
i. Net
operating surplus of $695 million, which is $38 million favourable compared
to budget.
ii. Capital
expenditure of $216 million, which is $28 million lower than the year-to-date
budget.
b) note the
following highlights and achievements:
i. Auckland
Libraries’ eCollections campaign started in December and, in its first week,
generated 58% increase in usage of eBooks and 70% of eAudiobooks versus same
week in 2013. For eMagazines, the one week downloads surpassed the weekly
average (September - November) by 150%.
ii. The new Te
Atatu Library and Community Centre opened on 15 November with a dawn blessing
ceremony, civic opening and celebrations and activities for the community.
The library features an expanded floor plan including more space for children
and teens, and a high ceiling. Expansive glass windows provide library users
with an outlook of the park, while also letting in natural light.
iii. Signage
signaling that Regional Parks are smoke free is in place. The roll out of
signage across Council’s local parks network is underway. New and renewed
signage includes the smoke free logo and associated information. Stickers
containing this information are being placed on existing signage commencing
with high profile locations.
iv. A blessing
and formal opening of the new playground at Myers Park took place on 26
November 2014, nearly 100 years after the park was first opened.
Waitematā Local Board members, City Centre Advisory Board members and
council staff attended the blessing, after which the playground was
thoroughly tested by children from the neighbouring Kadimah School and Myers
Kindergarten. The remaining stage one developments will be completed before
the formal centenary celebrations next February. They include upgrade of
lighting, new CCTV, native planting, way finding and interpretation signage
and entrance upgrades at Queen Street and Poynton Terrace.
v. Significant
events in December included: celebrations of centenaries for both the Tepid
Baths and Parnell Pools; the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of
the River Plate (including a Royal NZ Navy march down Queen Street) and a
wreath laying at Achilles Point.
vi. Auckland
Heritage Festival 2014 finished 12 October. It was a successful event with
approximately 1,500 – 2,000 visitors through Shed 10 on open day. On 7
December, Te Waka Angamua, Ngati Whatua o Orakei, ATEED and the Events team
provided a welcome event for the arrival of the Pacific Voyaging Society
waka. A powhiri was held at Okahu Bay and a civic reception in the Viaduct.
vii. Credit
rating agencies Standard & Poors and Moody's completed their annual
review and confirmed Councils AA and Aa2 rating.
viii.The
new Bledisloe Lane service centre opened to positive feedback from
customers. Observations suggest that the new location benefits from much
higher foot traffic along the lane resulting in higher customer numbers than
Greys Avenue, particularly incidental customers who decide on a whim to come
and engage with us. Customers are enjoying the self-service payment and
information kiosks as well as the staffs’ ability to move around the centre
offering a warm welcome and smooth hand-offs between the services. The
reception function for Bledisloe House, offering a professional welcome for
visitors and couriers, has also been well received.
CARRIED
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