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Waiheke Local Board
30 April 2025
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Annual Plan
2025-2026: local board consultation feedback and input
File No.: CP2025/07066
Te take mō te
pūrongo
Purpose of the report
1. To
receive consultation feedback from the Waiheke Local Board area on:
· proposed
priorities and activities for the Waiheke Local Board Agreement 2025/2026
· regional
topics for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.
2. To
recommend any local matters or advocacy initiatives to the Governing Body for
consideration or decision-making as part of the Annual Plan 2025/2026 process.
3. To
provide input on the proposed regional topics in the Annual
Plan 2025/2026.
Whakarāpopototanga matua
Executive summary
4. Local
board agreements outline annual funding priorities, activities, budgets, levels
of service, performance measures and initiatives for each local board area. The
2025/2026 local board agreements will be included in the Auckland
Council’s Annual Plan 2025/2026.
5. Auckland Council publicly consulted from 28 February to 28 March
2025 to gather community feedback on the proposed Annual
Plan 2025/2026. This included consultation on the Waiheke Local
Board’s proposed priorities for 2025/2026 to be included
in their local board agreement and
key priorities for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.
6. Auckland Council received 13,016 submissions in total across the
region and 236 submissions relating to the Waiheke Local Board. 102 of those
submissions were from people residing in the Waiheke Local Board area. The
submissions provided from the Waiheke Local Board area had general overarching
themes such as concern about the affordability of rates increases, as well as
requests to invest more money in fixing unsafe footpaths, roading, and cycle
lanes. The majority of respondents believed that delivering core council
operational services and programmes which protect, enhance, and restore the
island’s natural environment were very important. Furthermore, the
majority of respondents were not in favour of a targeted rate for a swimming
pool on the island.
7. As part of the Annual Plan process, local boards provide
recommendations to the Governing Body for consideration or decision-making.
This includes any local board advocacy initiatives. The Governing Body will
consider these matters during the Annual Plan decision-making process in May
and June 2025, including:
· any new/amended business improvement
district targeted rates
· any
new/amended local targeted rate proposals
· the
release of local board specific reserve funds
· any
other local board advocacy initiatives.
8. Local boards have a statutory responsibility to provide
input into regional strategies, policies, plans, and bylaws. This report
provides an opportunity for the local board to provide input on council’s
Annual Plan 2025/2026.
Ngā tūtohunga
Recommendation/s
That the Waiheke Local Board:
a) whiwhi / receive consultation feedback on
the proposed Waiheke Local Board priorities and activities for 2025/2026.
b) whiwhi / receive consultation feedback on regional topics in the Annual Plan 2025/2026 from people and organisations based in the Waiheke Local Board area.
c) tuku / provide input on regional topics in the proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 and key advocacy initiatives to the Governing Body.
Horopaki
Context
9. Each
financial year Auckland Council must have a local board agreement (as agreed
between the Governing Body and the relevant local board) for each local board
area. The local board agreement outlines how the Council will reflect
priorities of the Waiheke Local Board Plan 2023 in respect of the local
activities to be provided in the local board area, and also includes
information on budgets, levels of service, and performance measures.
10. The Local
Board Agreements 2025/2026 will form part of the Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2025/2026.
11. Auckland Council publicly consulted from 28 February to 28 March
2025 to seek community feedback on the proposed Annual
Plan 2025/2026. The consultation content included information on regional
proposals to be decided by the Governing Body, and information on the
Waiheke Local Board’s proposed priorities for 2025/2026
to be included in their local board agreement, and key
local board priorities for 2025/2026.
12. Local boards have a statutory responsibility to identify and
communicate the interests and preferences of people in their local board area
in relation to the Annual Plan 2025/2026.
Tātaritanga me ngā
tohutohu
Analysis and advice
13. This report includes analysis of consultation feedback, any local
matters to be recommended to the Governing Body and seeks input on regional
topics in the proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026.
Consultation
feedback overview
14. As part of
the public consultation for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 Auckland Council used a
variety of methods and channels to reach and engage a broad cross section of
Aucklanders to gain their feedback and input into regional and local topics.
15. In
total, Auckland Council received feedback from 13,016 people in the
consultation period. This feedback was received through:
· written
feedback – 10,011 hard copy and online forms, emails and letters.
· in
person – 3,001 pieces of feedback in person and through
89 Have Your Say events (1 of which was held in the Waiheke Local Board Area).
16. All
feedback will be made available on an Auckland Council webpage called
“Feedback on the Annual Plan 2025/2026'” and will be accessible
after 22 April 2025 through the following link: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annual-plan-2025-2026/feedback-annual-plan-2025-2026.
17. During
the consultation period, the question “What do you think of our proposals
for our local board area in 2025/2026?” was discovered to be missing from
the online feedback form, affecting 42 submissions for Waiheke Local Board
(around 1,700 submissions in total). The issue was later corrected, and
affected submitters were contacted with a link to provide feedback on this
question before the consultation closed on 28 March. Of the affected
submissions, 15 submitters responded to the missing question (894 in total). A
review was conducted to identify the cause of the error and prevent similar
issues in the future.
Feedback
received on the Waiheke Local Board’s priorities for 2025/2026 and the
Annual Plan 2025/2026
18. Auckland Council received 13,016 submissions in total across the
region and 236 submissions relating to the Waiheke Local Board. 102 of those
submissions were from people residing in the Waiheke Local Board area.
19. The Waiheke Local Board consulted on the following local
priorities for 2025/2026:
· Priority 1: Delivering core council operational services,
such as mowing, track and facility maintenance, and the library (60% said very
important)
· Priority
2: Programmes which protect, restore, and enhance the island’s natural
environment, and initiatives that provide opportunities for community
connectedness, capability, and resilience (60% said very important)
· Priority
3: Progessing recommended actions within the Rangihoua Reserve Onetangi Sports
Park Reserve management plan (23% said very important)
· Priority
4: Capital projects including the Tawaipareira Reserve playground and loop
track, and replacement of the Rakino Hall (16% said very important)
· Priority
5: Continuing to support local organisations with the development of a
community swimming pool and investigate consulting on a local targeted rate
(29% said very important)
· Priority
6: Revitalising Ostend and Oneroa village centres (24% said very important)
· Priority
7: Commissioning the research of
data and surveying residents to understand the state of the motu. (22% said
very important)
20. Submitters were asked for feedback on the Waiheke Local
Board proposals overall for 2025/2026:
Waiheke and Outside of
Waiheke
Waiheke
Residents Only
Key themes
21. Key themes of note across the feedback received (through
written and in-person channels) included:
· Making
sustainable forms of transport safer, so people use them more frequently to get
around the motu.
· Transport
issues such as poor quality roading and a lack of footpaths.
· General
support of the prioritisation of core council initiatives was reinforced in
written feedback.
· General
comments around rates being too high already.
· General
comments about inequitable funding for the Waiheke Local Board Area
22. When asked to prioritise the board’s proposals the
majority of respondents recorded that the delivery of core council services was
very important.
23. Similarly, the majority of local respondents recorded
that programmes which protect, restore, and enhance the island’s natural
environment, and initiatives that provide opportunities for community
connectedness, capability, and resilience were also very important. Furthermore,
only a small proportion of respondents recorded capital projects and the
replacement of Rakino hall as very important. Almost half of the local
respondents considered this priority less important.
Waiheke and Outside of
Waiheke
Waiheke Residents Only
24. Consultation feedback on local board priorities will be
considered by the local board when approving their local board agreement on 11
June 2025. Local board key advocacy initiatives will be considered in the
current report.
Feedback on other local topics
25. Key themes across feedback received on other local topics
included:
Swimming pool targeted rate:
Waiheke and Outside Waiheke
Waiheke
Residents Only
· Feedback
not in favour of a targeted rate for a community pool demonstrated concern that
building a community pool would be redundant because of the ease of ocean
access on Waiheke. Those not in favour also raised concerns about the
unaffordability of rates.
· Feedback
in favour of a community swimming pool referenced how Waiheke residents pay
rates that contribute to the maintenance of community pools on the mainland,
that are inaccessible because of transport times and costs.
Overview of feedback received on
regional topics in the Annual Plan from the Waiheke Local Board area
26. The proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 builds on the
Long-term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP), setting out Auckland Council’s priorities
and how services and investments are proposed to be funded. Consultation on the
proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026 asked submitters to respond to key questions
related to:
· The overall
plan
· Destination management and major events
· Changes
to other rates, fees and charges
· Local board priorities.
27. Submitters
were also encouraged to provide feedback on any of other matters included in
the Annual Plan 2025/2026 consultation
document.
28. The submissions received from the Waiheke Local Board
area on these key issues are summarised below, along with an overview of any
other areas of feedback on regional proposals with a local impact.
Key
Question 1: Overall Plan
29. Aucklanders were asked whether they support the overall
plan including prioritising investment
in:
· transport
· water; and
· fairer funding for local communities.
30. The consultation document for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 also
outlined the proposed funding approach which includes a 5.8 per cent rates
increase for the average value residential property, consistent with the LTP,
and additional debt financing to fund $4 billion in capital expenditure.
31. The
proposed 5.8 per cent rates increase for the average value residential property
for 2025/2026 includes the following proposed rates changes:
· an average
general rates increase of 6.40 per cent for existing ratepayers
· an average increase of 3.5 per cent to the Natural
Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) and Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate
(CATTR) for existing ratepayers, as set out in the LTP
· an average increase of $2.12 in the Water Quality
Targeted Rate (WQTR) to cover the operating and interest costs for the
programme, as set out in the LTP
· a 3.3 per cent increase to the overall Waste Management
Targeted Rate (WMTR) for the typical household.
32. The graphs below give an overview of the responses from
the Waiheke Local Board area.
Themes for those that did not
support included:
· Improvement
of public transport and road infrastructure
· Unsustainable
rates increases
· Funding
for Waiheke is unfair due to no water infrastructure and geographic isolation
to regional facilities.
Key Question 2: Destination management and major
events
33. Aucklanders were asked for feedback on a bed night visitor levy paid
by those in short-stay commercial accommodation, to fund destination
management, marketing and major events. Without such a levy, a $7 million
budget shortfall for the 2025/2026 financial year could impact the funding for
major events that are expected to attract visitor expenditure, such as the ASB
Classic, Auckland Marathon, and Auckland Writers Festival.
34. A
bed night visitor levy of 2.5 to 3 per cent paid by those in short-stay
accommodation would raise around $27 million annually to fund even more
destination management, marketing and major events activities in Auckland.
However, this requires central government legislative change. Auckland Council continues to work with central
government on this, with public
feedback helping to inform this work.
35. The graphs below give an overview of the responses from
the Waiheke Local Board area.
· Comments from those that did not support included:
Concern about impacts on tourism on Waiheke; expenses are already too high for
visitor accommodation properties; visitor accommodation contributes to the
livelihoods of Waihekeans.
· Comments from those that did support included:
There are too many visitor accommodation properties on Waiheke; revenue should
go towards improving local events, facilities and infrastructure; support for
major events.
Key Question 3: changes to other rates, fees and
charges
36. Aucklanders were asked to provide feedback on
proposed changes to certain targeted rates and some fees and charges as outlined below.
Waste management rates changes
37. Aucklanders were asked whether they support applying the Refuse Targeted Rate to
residential and lifestyle properties in Franklin and Rodney to fund the
council’s rubbish collection service, replacing the current system of
purchasing rubbish bags.
38. Starting in 2025/2026, residential and
lifestyle properties in Franklin and Rodney will be charged a refuse targeted
rate for the first time. Franklin's rate will cover a full year of service,
while Rodney's will be about 83% of the full charge due to its scheduled
September 2025 start date. Additionally, from July 2025, waste management
services and targeted rates will be introduced in Manukau's commercial areas
where the service isn’t presently available.
39. There were 24 submissions from the Waiheke Local Board
area which referenced these fees. Submissions focused on alternative ways to
incentivise Aucklanders to reduce waste, as well as there being some feedback
questioning the relevance of asking for feedback from residents outside of the
Franklin and Rodney areas.
Changes to fees and charges
40. Other proposed changes to fees and charges included in the
consultation document for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 include:
· changes to
some animal management fees including an increase in the dog adoption fee from
$350 to $450 and an increase vet fee from $75 to $150.
· fees for some cemetery and cremation services.
· realigning bach fees into pricing tiers based on
occupancy levels, capacity, and location.
· aligning staff charge-out rates with staff pay bands for
services in regional parks.
Other
matters for feedback
41. The
following matters were also included in the consultation in the Long-term Plan:
Recommendations on local matters
42. This report provides for the local board to recommend
local matters to the Governing Body for consideration as part of the Annual
Plan process, in May 2025. This includes:
· any
new/amended local targeted rate proposals
· any
new/amended business improvement district targeted rates
· release
of local board specific reserve funds
· local
advocacy initiatives.
Local
board advocacy
43. Local boards can also agree advocacy initiatives which
considers the consultation feedback above. This allows the Governing Body to
consider these advocacy items when making decisions on the Annual Plan
2025/2026 in May.
44. The advocacy initiatives approved by the local board will
then be included as an appendix to the 2025/2026 Local Board Agreement.
Local board input on regional topics in the Annual Plan 2025/2026
45. Local boards have a statutory responsibility for
identifying and communicating the interests and preferences of the people in
its local board area in relation to Auckland Council’s strategies,
policies, plans, and bylaws, and any proposed changes to be made to
them. This report provides an opportunity for the local board to provide
input on council’s proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026.
46. Local board plans reflect community priorities and
preferences and are key documents that guide the development of local board
agreements, local board annual work programmes, and local board input into
regional plans such as the long-term plan and annual plan.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
āhuarangi
Climate impact statement
47. The decisions recommended in this report are part of the
Annual Plan 2025/2026 and local board agreement process to approve funding and
expenditure over the next year.
48. Projects allocated funding through this Annual Plan
process will all have varying levels of potential climate impact associated
with them. The climate impacts of projects Auckland Council chooses to
progress, are all assessed carefully as part of council’s rigorous
reporting requirements.
Ngā whakaaweawe me
ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera
Council group impacts and views
49. The Annual Plan 2025/2026 is an Auckland Council Group
document and will include budgets at a consolidated group level. Consultation
items and updates to budgets to reflect decisions and new information may
include items from across the group.
Ngā whakaaweawe
ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe
Local impacts and local board views
50. The local board’s decisions and feedback are being
sought in this report. The local board has a statutory role in providing its
feedback on regional plans.
51. Local boards play an important role in the development of
the council’s Annual Plan 2025/2026. Local board agreements form part of
the Annual Plan. Local board chairs have been invited to attend Budget
Committee workshops. Local board members were provided recordings or briefings
of the Budget Committee workshops for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.
Tauākī whakaaweawe
Māori
Māori impact statement
52. Many local board decisions are of importance to and
impact Māori. Local board agreements and the Annual Plan are important
tools that enable and can demonstrate the council’s responsiveness to
Māori Outcomes.
53. Local board plans, developed in 2023 through engagement
with the community including Māori, form the basis of local board area
priorities.
54. Some projects approved for funding could have discernible
impacts on Māori. For any project or programme progressed by Auckland
Council, the potential impacts on Māori, will be assessed as part of
relevant reporting requirements.
55. Analysis of consultation feedback received on the
proposed Annual Plan includes submissions made by mana whenua, matawaaka
organisations and the wider Māori community who have interests in the rohe
/ local board area.
56. Ngā Mātārae led the council-wide approach
to engagement with Māori entities. This included:
· Three information sessions
for mana whenua on submissions and the process for submissions
· Five information sessions for
mātaawaka organisations
· One hearing style event for
mana whenua, Māori organisations and community groups.
57. Nineteen mana whenua entities have interests in the
Auckland Council rohe. Thirteen of the nineteen
(68.42%) responded to the Auckland Council’s proposals for the Annual
Plan 2025/2026.
58. There were
six oral submissions from mana whenua and six oral submissions from
mātaawaka at the Have your Say Event.
59. Māori comprise 12.3% of the population in the
Waiheke Local Board area. 11 submissions from people who identify
as Māori were received from people residing in the Waiheke Local Board
area. This represents 8% of total submissions.
Ngā ritenga
ā-pūtea
Financial implications
60. The local board provides input to regional plans and
proposals. There is information in the council’s consultation material
for each plan or proposal with the financial implications of each option
outlined for consideration.
Ngā raru tūpono me
ngā whakamaurutanga
Risks and mitigations
61. The council must adopt its Annual Plan, which includes
local board agreements, by 30 June 2025. The local board is required to make
recommendations on these local matters for the Annual Plan by mid May 2025, to
enable and support the Governing Body to make decisions on key items to be
included in the Annual Plan on 28 May 2025.
Ngā koringa ā-muri
Next steps
62. Recommendations and feedback from the local board will be
provided to the Budget Committee for consideration as part of decision-making
for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.
63. The local board will approve its local content for
inclusion in the final Annual Plan 2025/2026 (including its local board
agreement) and corresponding work programmes in June 2025.
64. The final Annual Plan 2025/2026 (including local board agreements)
will be adopted by the Governing Body on 25 June 2025.
Ngā tāpirihanga
Attachments
There are no attachments for
this report.
Ngā kaihaina
Signatories
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Authors
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Hunter van der Jagt - Local Board Advisor
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Authorisers
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Lou-Ann Ballantyne - General Manager Governance and
Engagement
Janine Geddes – Acting Local Area Manager
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