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Resolution
number MT/2022/184
MOVED by Chairperson M Meredith, seconded by Member P
McGlashan:
a)
whakarite /
provide the following feedback on potential regional consultation topics and
policies for the Annual Budget 2023/2024:
i)
request that, if included in the consultation material, the 5%
reduction in local board funding is more appropriately reflected as
approximately 50% reduction of essential local services. Any cuts to these
budgets will be felt as significant impacts for our local people and
community groups. Impacted activities and core services would include:
A)
Movies in Parks
B)
Local events
C)
Library Services
D)
Upkeep of parks and community facilities
E)
Environmental clean ups
F)
Grants for community groups who support community wellbeing and
resilience
ii)
request that, if the funds cannot be found in the existing
budget, an additional 0.8% rates increase be considered, costing the average
household approximately $33 per year to ensure these essential local services
are not lost.
iii)
request that the review to community occupancy guidelines
and facility hire policies are resourced and expedited so that local boards
can explore the revenue potential of local assets for future budgets.
iv)
support looking for sustainable cost savings from stopping
or doing services differently with a long-term view to further changes
through the Long-Term Plan.
v)
support the use of tools to mitigate the impact of rates
increases on households for the 2023/2024 year:
A)
pausing the long-term differential strategy for business rates.
B)
reducing the Natural Environment Targeted Rate and Water Quality
Targeted Rate by two thirds, noting that activities will continue to be
delivered as planned within existing time frames using reserves associated
with these targeted rate funds, including:
1. Manukau Harbour water quality improvements
2. Ōmaru Creek Healthy Waters projects
which is a necessary investment to enable upgrades at Eastview and Maybury
Reserve
vi)
support consultation on the proposed package of rates
changes, noting that:
A)
the impacts of inflation and interest rates are compounding,
which means it is more expensive to deliver our services. If we do not
respond to these factors with a rates increase, there will be a reduction in
the services we deliver. Doing nothing will increase the likelihood of large
rate shocks in the future.
B)
the total rates impact to the average household is less than the
average rates increase in 2022/2023 when considering the introduction of the
Climate Action Targeted Rate.
vii)
support consulting the public about the future of airport
shares, and request:
A)
further investigation into the long-term implications of the
reduction of income diversity for council
B)
additional advice and communications regarding the strategic
value of the airport shares.
C)
options for other assets that could be considered for sale.
viii)
support seeking increased dividends from shares in the Ports of
Auckland.
ix)
acknowledge the proposed $5 million of operational cost savings
by Eke Panuku is less than other options explored, noting that:
A)
any greater cost reductions are likely to cost the city rather
than create savings in the long run
B)
the Transform Onehunga and Unlock Panmure programmes are at the
stage where the community is about to begin experiencing the benefits that
have been promised, after many years of community consultation and
preparation.
C)
programmes at this stage of readiness should not be delayed as
they will catalyse significant growth and economic development in the area
and contribute to long-term recovery.
D)
Eke Panuku’s relatively minor operating budget is utilised
to leverage more significant capital investment, including through major
external partnerships like NZ Super Fund in Panmure.
x)
request that Eke Panuku continue to be the decision-makers
regarding prioritisation of their programmes.
xi)
support the ongoing prioritisation of Public Transport services
xii)
support leveraging central government investment into social
services that should be delivered in partnership with Council.
xiii)
request that equity continue to be taken into consideration in
the finalisation of the Waste Management Targeted rate, including ensuring
that bin size costs are not disadvantaging larger families and lower
socioeconomic communities.
b)
whakarite /
provide the following feedback on proposed changes to fees and charges in Active
Communities – bookable spaces:
i)
request consideration of a discount for community services card
holders.
ii)
note that the proposed changes do not impact spaces in
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki as Active Recreation services in the area are
managed by third party operators.
c)
whakaae /
approve an additional meeting on 7 February to approve local consultation
content for the Annual Budget 2023/2024
CARRIED
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