Category: Auckland Council

Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders have backed Auckland Council’s draft strategy for how the city should grow over the next 30 years with more than 10,000 giving feedback.

The Future Development Strategy is the council’s 30-year plan to make sure homes, jobs and infrastructure are built in the right places, at the right time, to accommodate an expected half a million more people. It also addresses protecting our environment and building resilience to natural hazards and climate change while making the best use of limited funding for infrastructure.

Public consultation ran from 6 June – 31 July and results released today come from responses from 8,552 Aucklanders, 256 organisations including many developers and 1,275 pro-forma campaigns.

Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, Councillor Richard Hills says public feedback results show 66 per cent of individual responses support focusing growth in existing urban areas, with other proposals gaining even stronger support.

“For cities to grow successfully, there has got to be a clear, agreed plan for our city’s growth. This is where the Future Development Strategy comes into play.

“We asked Aucklanders to tell us if we had got this right and their responses show they strongly support our overall approach for planning our city’s future growth.

“People have said they support more homes close to amenities, transport, and jobs, shops, and schools. They want more efficient public transport, reduced emissions, and infrastructure that supports housing with amenities and facilities like parks, education and healthcare delivered at the same time to improve people’s quality of life.

“The proposals have also received overwhelming support from the council’s local boards, with 20 of the 21 boards backing the strategy’s direction,” says Councillor Hills.  

You can read the summary feedback report at: akhaveyoursay.nz/futureauckland

“At the heart of this strategy is making sure we are future proofing our city for generations to come,” says Auckland Council’s General Manager of Auckland Plan, Strategy and Research, Jacques Victor.

“The council’s core approach to managing growth over the past decade, with most growth occurring in existing urban areas, remains mostly the same through this revised strategy.

“However, there are two significant changes. A stronger focus on responding to climate change, particularly flooding hazards and protecting people and property, and a greater recognition of the council’s financial challenges, and when it can invest in infrastructure and services, especially in greenfield areas.

“Overall, a strong theme from all feedback was the need for investment and improvements in infrastructure to support growth in existing urban areas. We’ve listened to all Aucklanders, and what they’ve told us is being taken into account in the Future Development Strategy for our elected members to consider,” he says.

“The Future Development Strategy strikes a balance between both growing outwards at the edges of the city and having new homes closer to centres in existing urban areas. It stages the outwards growth in a way that provides the enabling infrastructure needed to support communities so that, for example, so we don’t end up with new housing developments which don’t have services or facilities, like public transport.

“We can’t afford to build infrastructure everywhere at the same time, which means prioritising infrastructure in areas where growth is occurring, and where the most people can benefit from that investment. But the strategy also recognises that, at times, this infrastructure can be provided by developers or through other funding mechanisms, at no cost to council and ratepayers,” says Mr Victor.

 Focusing growth in existing urban areas

 The highest level of feedback, with 8,878 responses, was about focusing most of the city’s future housing and business growth within existing urban areas.

The vast majority of responses (8,439) came from individuals, with 66 percent supporting this approach. Reasons included that this would make public transport more viable and efficient, protect rural areas and highly productive food growing land, and that it’s better for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving well-being and quality of life.

Additionally, it was supported as the most cost-effective approach for growth, allowing for the use of exsisting infrastructure already in place, with concerns raised about the cost of building and maintaining new infrastructure at the city’s edges.

 Accessible local centres

Focusing development near local centres where people can easily access jobs, shops, schools, and social activities by walking, cycling and public transport received 74 per cent support from 8,439 individuals. Supporting comments mentioned potential benefits, such as improving health and wellbeing, and better environmental outcomes from people getting around more easily and travelling shorter distances.

Having accessible local centres would also encourage and support more local businesses and employment and foster more connected and vibrant communities.

 Avoiding areas with hazards

An overwhelming 80 percent of individual responses agreed with the proposal to avoid further growth in areas exposed to significant natural hazards, like flooding, where development may not be appropriate, while 13 percent disagreed.

Among the 5,674 individuals supporting this approach, the most common reasons were protecting people and property and avoiding the monetary costs in making these areas safe to live in.

Prioritising resilient infrastructure

The proposal to prioritise investment in more nature-based infrastructure that responds to the impacts of climate change, such as rain gardens, swales, and detention basins, received 74 percent support from 5,270 individuals, with 14 percent not supporting it.

Supporters felt that this would improve the wellbeing of communities, climate resilience and be better for the environment.

 What happens next?

Auckland Council’s Planning, Environment, and Parks Committee will consider any changes resulting from the public feedback and adopting the final Future Development Strategy at its 5 October meeting.

Source: Auckland Council

IMPORTANT UPDATE | Section of Milford to Takapuna Walkway is closed to public access

The Milford-Takapuna Walkway is an enjoyable coastal pathway walk along the beaches and coastline from Milford Reserve to Takapuna Beach. Along the route, and for many years, private property owners have allowed walkers to cross their private property. This access has been greatly appreciated, particularly as the route has been plagued by storm damage impacting on the pathways and boardwalks. A section of the walkway, which crosses private land, is currently closed. Here’s why.

While there is a public perception that the entire coastal walkway route is owned and maintained by the council, in reality the route crosses 72 private properties and has existed without any formal legal agreements for many years. The informal access across these properties has existed purely at the goodwill of the various property owners.

Before the formation of Auckland Council, the former local council began an upgrade programme. Both North Shore City Council and Auckland Council found that the significant costs and complexities of constructing a safe and resilient coastal walkway, that was future proofed against sea level rise and storm impacts, made a full upgrade almost impossible.

Instead, the council looked at what it could effectively do with the walkway on public land and began working with some of the landowners on plans for secured legal access. This was brought into sharp focus with a major storm event in early 2011 that washed away a significant section of the walkway, that was largely on private land.

The impasse

From mid-2012 the council began progressing discussions with the owners of the Kitchener Road property (that is the site of the current closure).

Subsequent negotiations between the council and the owners (a family) to legalise the informal public walkway across the bottom part or the ‘toe’ of the property established that the owners were keen for the council to acquire the entire property, with conditions.

On the toe of the property stands a small bach-like dwelling that was built early last century and occupied by notable mid-century photographer Clifton Firth. More about this building later.

The conditions of sale required by the family included the council paying 50 per cent of the market value of the property (with the family gifting the other 50 per cent); restoration of the dwelling by a conservation architect at Auckland Council’s cost; use of the dwelling for a trust-run artist in residence programme and overall responsibility for all costs associated with the restoration, trust and ongoing management of the property taken on by the council.

The council obtained condition assessments of the land and buildings and valuations, but further negotiations have not progressed due to the conditions of sale sought by the owners and differences in property valuations between the parties.

A more recent option that the owners and the council have been discussing is for Auckland Council to acquire a public pedestrian access easement across the sea-side toe of the property.  The conditions of sale for an easement required by the family included that the easement would be 1.5m wide, the council paying the equivalent of the outstanding rates on the property (around $70,000), the council building a physical barrier between the easement area and the rest of the property, and that we must remove the Heritage A scheduling from the property.

The primary owner, who resided at the property, died in 2021 before matters could be finalised and the council’s relationship with the family transferred to his beneficiaries. Informal public access across the property as part of the coastal walkway has continued in the absence of any legal provision.

Heritage status adds a unique layer

The Clifton Firth House is a scheduled historic heritage place in the Auckland Unitary Plan. It is a Category A historic heritage place, which is the highest category, and considered to be of outstanding significance.

Why? Modest houses, baches or ‘weekenders’ used to line this coastline and this is a surviving architectural example of how Takapuna used to be. Clifton Firth is particularly known as a portrait photographer and member of the North Shore’s artistic community. The rustic simplicity of his seaside home illustrates another aspect of his life and personal aesthetic.

The house’s shoreline setting and large pohutukawa in the garden are also notable features of the Milford-Takapuna walkway. 

The Firth house was proposed to be included in North Shore City Council’s district plan heritage schedule. This was carried through to the new Auckland Council via a plan change (Plan Change 38) and subsequently included in the Auckland Unitary Plan. No submissions opposing including the house in either plans were received.

Weighing up the case for spending public money on a private property

Earlier this year council staff reviewed its previous instructions to negotiate with property owners against its open space provision and acquisition policies.

Having a well thought-out and policy-based approach in place ensures that the council applies fair and consistent consideration to these sorts of decisions, no matter where in the region it is spending ratepayer money. We must also consider the wider context, which in this case is the impact a tailored decision for one landowner may have on the expectations of the other 71 property owners along the walkway.

When assessed against our policies, it is difficult to recommend acquiring this property based on:

• Significant provision of open space already available in this area
• The steep terrain of the site offering few recreational or open space outcomes
• The state of the heritage building, cost of its restoration and upkeep, and no demonstrated need for its use as a retreat.

We must also generally consider the Milford-Takapuna Walkway in its entirety. This is not a wholly-owned or promoted council walkway and it presents significant health and safety challenges along its route that are outside of the council’s control to adequately manage – whether from an ownership or natural environment perspective.  

Can the heritage status be lifted?

The process to remove a place from the heritage schedule would be via a council-initiated plan change at the council’s cost, or alternatively, a private plan change by the owners, at their cost.

Removing a place from the heritage schedule is a similar process to adding a place. It would require a heritage evaluation, stating why the place may now not meet the plan’s criteria and thresholds for heritage protection. It would then be subject to the plan change process, requiring planning analysis and (if council initiated) political approval for notification.

The plan change would then seek submissions and be considered at a hearing by a panel of independent commissioners. The panel would make the decision as to whether or not the place should be removed from the heritage schedule. This will depend on the submissions and evidence received from other parties.

What happened this week?

The council’s Governing Body on 28 September received a petition from the Takapuna Resident’s Association, with 5,121 signatures at the time of presentation, asking elected members to “achieve urgent resolution for continued public access to the section of the Coastal Walkway from Takapuna to Milford that crosses private property past the Firth Cottage and forms part of the national Te Araroa Trail”.

The property’s owners, who are entirely within their rights to do so, have established a fence over their land to stop public access through their property. This reflects their frustration at not being able to negotiate an agreement with the council that satisfies their conditions.

Walkers can take a safe detour using Audrey Lane, Kitchener Road, Hurstmere Road and Minnehaha Avenue to return to the coastal walkway (see map below).

Next steps

Our teams continue to see whether a resolution may be reached. The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and the council will consider reports which include the walkway issues this year.

Source: Auckland Council

IMPORTANT UPDATE | Section of Milford to Takapuna Walkway is closed to public access

The Milford to Takapuna walkway is popular with the community and has always existed as an informal path. The walkway is not owned or managed by the council.

The track itself has complicated ownership with access extending over a formed and paved waterfront promenade, beach and lava rocks in the coastal marine area, a short section of legal road, paths on top of underground Watercare infrastructure, and across 72 private properties with boundaries at or below the tide line.

A property owner, who is entirely within their rights to do so, has requested several conditions in return for ongoing public access to the walkway. After a protracted period of negotiation, that is yet to be resolved, the owner has established a fence over their land to stop public access through their property.

Walkers can take a safe detour using Audrey Lane, Kitchener Road, Hurstmere Road and Minnehaha Avenue to return to the coastal walkway.

A petition presented to the council on 28 September contained 5,121 signatures, and confirmed community support for the walkway to continue to remain open along its full length.

The council is not able to guarantee the conditions requested by the property owner, which include removing a heritage listing from the property.

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and the council will consider reports which include the walkway issues this year.

Source: Auckland Council

Mayor pleased with progress reducing council property footprint

The Mayor has welcomed Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to the Auckland Council building (Te Wharau o Tāmaki Auckland House), with Eke Panuku to follow, in a move that contributes to $13 million a year in savings.

More than 300 Tātaki Auckland Unlimited staff now have a new home, thanks to the acceleration of a property optimisation programme driven by the Mayor, focussed on consolidating staff into a central council-owned site at Auckland House.

The programme was started by Auckland Council and its CCOs in 2018 but was sped up at the request of Mayor Wayne Brown earlier this year.

“I was elected to stop wasting money, so I was clear from day one that we must reduce our property costs. I’m pleased with the work of property leaders in Auckland Council and our CCOs who have identified an aggressive workplan that rationalises corporate office space.”

Council staff have worked collaboratively to pinpoint opportunities for property optimisation, with a focus on shared use efficiencies. By the end of June 2024, a reduction from 17 council sites to just five is expected.

The acceleration of the programme has helped council exit several leased sites and will consolidate Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Eke Panuku into one building alongside Auckland Council. Auckland Transport will sub-lease out a floor at their premises, and Auckland Emergency Management will avoid leasing a separate site.

“The move offers Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Eke Panuku some strong advantages, including more space and better opportunities to collaborate with council staff to get things done. We offer them a warm welcome,” says Mayor Brown.

By June 2024, the council group property footprint will be on track to shrink from 128,000 square metres to under 70,000 and achieve some $13 million in savings per year in reduced operating costs.

“But we won’t be stopping there. Through the Long-Term Plan, we are aiming to further maximise the value of council to Aucklanders by delivering shared service arrangements across the group and will be continually reviewing the way council organises itself,” he says.

On the current trajectory, Group Shared Services has the potential to save a further $8-13 million across the council group per year, which would be delivered over a three- to four-year period.

________________________________________________________________________

Details of Auckland Council’s Property Optimisation Programme –

• Auckland Council has consolidated its staff releasing four floors to provide space for Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Eke Panuku.
• Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has moved around 300 staff from Victoria Street West, Mayoral Drive and Aotea Centre.
• Eke Panuku will commence moving around 200 staff from their premises at 82 Wyndham Street at the end of the year.

Source: Auckland Council

The long-planned Te Hono / Avondale library and community hub has been reallocated $15 million to secure its future development.

The project faced a significant funding shortfall due to an increase in construction costs across the industry.

But Auckland Council’s Governing Body voted on Thursday to reallocate funding from the Whau Aquatic and Recreation Centre development budget in financial year 2026/2027. 

It asked for any unspent capital budget during the development of Te Hono to be returned to the aquatic and recreation centre budget.

The construction of the adjacent upgraded town square and outdoor areas will be managed by Eke Panuku, with its own confirmed funding.

Future funding secured

Whau Local Board agreed at its business meeting to support the reallocation and the Governing Body decision was welcomed by Whau ward councillor Kerrin Leoni and Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas.

“Ngā mihi nui to the Governing Body for approving the funding option and huge mihi to Whau Local Board for their great mahi,” says Kerrin. 

“The Whau ward is experiencing rapid intensification and is facing a large growth in population. Te Hono will be an important amenity for Avondale and will help bring our diverse community together. I’m glad we managed to make it possible.” 

Local Board chair Kay Thomas says: “I’m pleased to see the future funding for Te Hono secured and this is such great news for our community. 

“I’d love to thank all those who helped make the development of Te Hono possible. Avondale is an area of significant deprivation and has a history of underinvestment. The continued investment in Te Hono will help regenerate the entire local area.

“I’m also excited that the project does not need to be put on hold until the next Long-term Plan is adopted in June 2024. It can progress with minimal delays and cost escalations now.

“In the meantime, Whau Local Board is still committed to the Whau Aquatic and Recreation Centre.”

Preliminary design

The preliminary design, adopted by Whau Local Board at their September business meeting, simplifies construction, and minimises costs to ensure the project remains cost-effective.

Compared with the concept design approved by the board in 2021, the preliminary design opts for a steel and concrete structure instead of a timber frame, relocates the community hall and sky room to street level and relocates the building eight meters towards the reserve. This enables improved solar efficiency, shallower foundations, and a larger town square, among other budget-friendly adjustments.

Following the approval of the preliminary design by the board, the project will progress to a developed design with an aim to lodge a resource consent by December 2023, followed by a detailed design and a construction phase.

“Our board was delighted to adopt the preliminary design of Te Hono. I’d like to thank council staff and Eke Panuku for their excellent work in optimising the design given the funding issues,” adds Kay.

About Te Hono

Whau Local Board approved the concept designs in 2021 and last year named the new library and community centre for Avondale as Te Hono.

The name ‘Te Hono’, which means ‘the connection’, recognises that the new facility connects place, people and purpose. It was gifted by mana whenua representatives from Te Kawerau ā Maki, and supported by Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

As an integrated community facility located in the heart of the town centre, Te Hono is an important part of the Eke Panuku Unlock Avondale urban regeneration programme. The programme seeks to enhance the town centre’s vitality as a place to do business and visit through more and better-quality housing, improved public spaces and upgraded transport connections.

Auckland Council and Eke Panuku are delivering Te Hono in partnership.

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Source: Auckland Council

We are aware that some storm-affected property owners are being contacted by their insurance companies, in the possibility that their property could become a category 2 or 3, and what impact this may have on their insurance in the future.

Auckland Council was not aware of this communication and we acknowledge the stress and confusion that this may have caused residents. While we have no jurisdiction over insurance, we have raised our concern over this communication with the Insurance Council of New Zealand.

Source: Auckland Council

Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson and Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office Group Manager, Mat Tucker, visited Māngere this week to meet with local organisations and visit storm-impacted areas in Māngere.

The community, like other areas in Tāmaki Makaurau, was left devastated after extreme weather events earlier this year.

The Deputy Mayor and Mr Tucker were visiting to hear directly from the community and see what additional support they could provide, as well as update them on the work being done on future flood mitigation plans.

Ms Simpson said, “I went to Māngere to listen to the residents and community groups about the impact the major weather events of January and February have had, and continue to have, on their area, their community and their health.

“I want to thank them for telling me how things are going from their perspective, I know that reliving it was tough.

“Whilst we can’t control the weather we can learn from these events to ensure that people and communities are supported and there are robust plans in place. Areas across Auckland have been affected by the storms differently that is why it was also important for me to visit the area.”

From left: Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board deputy chair Harry Fatu Toleafoa and chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich, Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office Group Manager Mat Tucker and team members Caroline Tauevihi and Elenoa Mo’a Sili.

Source: Auckland Council

An additional $14 million commitment from the Government to support funding for part of Te Whau Pathway gives the green light to extend a walking and cycling connection to Te Atatu South.

Auckland Council has received confirmation from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) to provide grant funding for the shortfall needed to construct a four-metre-wide designed pathway for walkers and cyclists from State Highway 16 and Bridge Avenue to Roberts Field.

The Government’s IRG fund was set up in 2020 to assess projects from the private and public sector to stimulate the construction industry, its workforce and the economy in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown. This brings the total Government funding for the project to $49.3 million.

The news has been welcomed by project supporter and Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson, involved in this partnership project with Te Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust since it began in 2014.

“Te Whau Pathway is a great community project that I’ve given my support to over the past ten years alongside the Trust and our wider group of partners. This funding means that very soon we’ll have an amazing connection for walkers and cyclists between the Northwestern Cycleway and Te Atatu South to Roberts Field,” says Cr Henderson.

The project was paused in December 2022 when construction and material increases coupled with emerging budget pressures highlighted a significant funding shortfall. 

As a result of prior funding, the steel and decking is already procured. Detailed design has been completed, resource consent granted and compliance management plans approved.

Dr Claudia Wyss, Auckland Council’s Director Customer & Community Services also welcomed the Government’s funding commitment.

“This is fantastic news for our community and council. It enables a worthy community project to go ahead, and to use the funding and materials already allocated to deliver a long-lasting asset for the community and Te Whau Pathway Trust who have worked so hard for this,” says Dr Wyss.

Te Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust is a volunteer organisation led by chair Tony Miguel.

“The Trust has been promoting and lobbying hard in the background, alongside the council, to see sections of the pathway delivered to the highest possible standard for our community and everyone who will soon be able to use it,” says Mr Miguel.

Te Whau Pathway is a partnership between Auckland Council, Auckland Transport (AT), Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kawerau ā Maki, Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards with Government as a major funder and Te Whau Coastal Walkway Environmental Trust leading the project.

Te Whau Pathway follows a traditional Māori taonga waka (portage). Fully delivered, the pathway would connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatu Peninsula.

This new funding leverages the Crown Infrastructure Partners prior funding of $35.3 million and Auckland Council funding of $4.8 million already allocated to the project.

A construction start date is now expected within 4-6 weeks.

Source: Auckland Council

Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland Council Group’s Annual Report 2022/2023 issued today shows a resilient council group that has bounced back from the many revenue challenges that arose because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has withstood the worst natural disaster experienced by the Auckland region in the group’s history. 

Mayor Wayne Brown says the report chronicles a tough year in which Auckland Council was  able to remain financially prudent in the face of rising costs and high interest rates.

“We were shocked and saddened by the loss of lives and personal suffering caused by the devastating and tragic weather events. At the time we rapidly reallocated resources, both for the initial emergency response and then for our recovery efforts – and the annual report shows the immediate effects on our services and activities.”

“There were many unbudgeted costs relating to the storm events and I am really pleased to see in this report how we swiftly put measures in place to stay on track financially. At the same time, the Auckland Emergency Relief Fund raised $3.7 million – including $1.1 million from Auckland Council – which was distributed to Aucklanders in need, on top of other relief offered by central government and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).” 

Auckland Council Acting Chief Executive Phil Wilson notes that the freedom experienced by  Aucklanders after two years in COVID-19 lockdowns, had an extremely positive effect on the council, as seen in our results for the first half of the year. The storm events in January and February set the council back again, with a significant amount of funding and staff having to be diverted to storm response and recovery of the region. The council’s properties also incurred significant damage which required repair and renewal. The annual report clearly shows the impact of the storm events on the council group.

“What is more difficult to determine is the overall and lasting impacts of these challenges on Tāmaki Makaurau and our communities. We continue to grapple with this and remain committed to doing our part to support community recovery; continuously improve our processes and adapt our ways of working.” 

The Annual Report details how the group responded to a raft of financial challenges including growing operating costs, a tight labour market, price increases, and interest rates that were significantly higher than forecast. 

“We were able to counter this with tight spending controls, including restraint on discretionary spending.” 

“We did this while building more infrastructure and continuing to provide day-to-day core council services.”

While many community assets suffered storm damage, the Annual Report details the rebuilding or readjustment of a wide range of community spaces and services, to ensure the delivery of council programmes that Aucklanders value.  

The council’s non-financial performance during the year held up well considering the challenging events it faced, however there were some targets not met as a result of the severe weather events, and ongoing staffing challenges, including the redeployment of staff for the storm response and recovery efforts and a slower recovery of facilities usage as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

Key Financials 

Auckland Group Chief Financial Officer Peter Gudsell says the annual report shows the council’s results were broadly in line with budget, despite the economic challenges and the costs and disruption from weather events. 

“Total group revenue excluding other gains for the year was $6.7 billion, $421 million higher than budget – though this did include some big one-off and non-cash revenues such as assets vested with council and a significant donation of artworks.” 

“The council delivered its largest-ever annual capital investment in infrastructure and assets, with $2.7 billion of transport, water, housing and community projects completed or progressed to help meet increasing demands on public services across the region.” 

Highlights of this investment were:  

$1.3 billion for transport-related assets, including progressing the City Rail Link, roading renewals and the Eastern Busway.  

$918 million on clean water, wastewater and stormwater assets, including progressing the Central Interceptor project, expanding the Redoubt Road reservoir, and putting flood prevention and water quality improvements in place at the Opanuku and Lower Waitaro Streams.  

$491 million on other assets, such as upgrades to playground and sports facilities, environmental initiatives and renewals of cultural venues; for example, developing Te Kori Scott Point – a sustainable sports park. 

The council’s total asset base increased by $2.6 billion to $73 billion. The group uses debt to help finance capital investment, as this helps to spread the cost of assets across the generations that will use them. As a result, total net debt rose to $12.4 billion from $11.1 billion a year earlier. The council has a policy of keeping its debt to revenue ratio below 290 per cent, and its position remained well below that at 253 per cent at year end, which was also down from 257 per cent a year earlier. 

“Our prudent debt management was reflected in our credit rating agencies reaffirming our ratings during the year, AA for S&P Global and Aa2 for Moody’s Investor Services, both with a stable outlook.” 

The Annual Report details an operating surplus before gains and losses that was a moderate $207 million higher than budget at $1.3 billion. This is a surplus for financial reporting purposes but is of course not a cash surplus as it includes non-cash revenues like receiving the collection of artworks and vested assets.  

From a cashflow perspective, the Annual Report notes net cashflow from operating activities of around $1.8 billion. After the $2.7 billion of capital investment there was a cash funding shortfall of $941 million. This shortfall was funded by new cash debt of $795 million and a reduced cash balance of $146 million. This was broadly in line with budget. 

Looking ahead

Mayor Brown says the Annual Report shows that looking ahead, we need to be mindful of the costs associated with the recovery from this year’s storm events and making Auckland’s infrastructure more resilient, while caution remains necessary in managing these costs. 

“I want to ensure that council’s next 10-year budget creates a sustainable financial footprint for Auckland Council so we can play our part even better to help ensure Auckland is a beautiful, thriving and safe place to live.” 

Phil Wilson says the ongoing impacts of this year’s weather events are substantial, and we will continue to work closely with our communities and those most affected. 

“While much of this work lies with the Recovery Office we established specifically for the purpose, the council group is committed to working as a whole and in partnership with central government, iwi, the community and private sector as we support the region’s recovery. “ 

You can read the full Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland Council Group’s Annual Report 2022/2023 on the Auckland Council website.

Source: Auckland Council

Waiheke youth can look forward to a new basketball court, as well as learn-to-ride and pump tracks coming to Ostend’s Tawaipareira Reserve early next year.  

Construction is due to start in October on the next stage of the reserve’s development which has been funded by Waiheke Local Board and follows the renewal of the reserve’s skate park in 2021. 

Local Board chair Cath Handley is looking forward to seeing the reserve come to life to as a hub for young people in the area. 

“Young people in Waiheke are a major priority for the board and they deserve a space like this that has something for a range of ages, so we are really happy to see work on the reserve progressing.” 

Planning for the renewal of the reserve, including a public consultation period, began in 2019 but has faced delays due to the pandemic lockdowns, weather events and budget constraints. 

Contractors hope to have the work, which also includes landscaping of the surrounding grounds, a central picnic area and connecting paths between the basketball, pump track and learn-to-ride tracks, completed by January next year depending on weather conditions.  

While the reserve’s carpark will be closed during construction, local skateboarders will still be able to access the skatepark by foot. Both the carpark and skatepark will be open for public use over the Christmas break.  

Future stages of the project are planned to include walking tracks, a flying fox and an adventure playground

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