Category: Local Government

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has exceeded its annual operating savings target, with $60.2 million saved in the 2023/24 financial year.

This surpasses its annual $50 million savings target and contributes to $337 million in savings over the last three years.

Presented at yesterday’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, chair Maurice Williamson said it is pleasing to see such strong results that show council is on track.

“The savings targets are an ongoing initiative to look closely at the business and where added cost efficiencies can be delivered. This year, we’ve overshot the target and gathered an additional $10.2 million in savings, demonstrating discipline through a line-by-line approach to our spending,” said Cr Williamson.

“This is a good result for our ratepayers – in particular because the savings are not reinvested, but that $337 million is directly used to keep rates and debt lower than they otherwise would be.

“This is a fantastic result and I’m convinced we can deliver even more savings, as they continue to be a focus.”

This year’s savings were delivered through a wide range of initiatives across the council.

These include a focus on reducing the corporate property footprint, minor changes to services, centralising and reducing council support functions (such as software purchasing), maintenance optimisation and integrating service centres into libraries.

There has also been an increased focus to identify opportunities to increase non-rates revenue (user charges), in order to better recover the costs of those services.

The $10.2 million in additional savings above the target means lower net debt for the end of the council’s financial year (30 June 2024) and a favourable starting position for the new financial year (2024/2025).

Mayor Wayne Brown said the savings achieved are the result of a sustained effort to ensure efficiencies are being achieved on behalf of Aucklanders.

“We must make savings and cut costs for Aucklanders. This is more evidence the ship is turning. I’m pleased particular attention is being given to value for money and careful investment across council business,” said Mayor Brown.

“These savings results bode well for the Long-term Plan 2024-2034, which includes an additional savings target of $28 million this year, rising to $67 million for 2026/27. This is over and above the existing $50 million annual savings targets.”

Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson said it is pleasing to see such strong results.  

“These savings are the result of a lot of hard work and consciously building a culture of efficiency in the organisation – something our refreshed leadership team is very focused on,” said Mr Wilson.

“It’s important council respects every dollar contributed by our community and uses it to greatest effect – ultimately that is how we create value for money, and build trust and confidence with ratepayers.”

The savings results will be formally reported as part of this year’s annual results, released as part of the Annual Report in late September.

Source: Auckland Council

Nearly 50 per cent of Auckland Council’s savings for this year have been achieved, as it works toward its $66 million savings target.

Auckland Council’s annual savings are an ongoing initiative to ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money across all activities. For 2024/2025, the council has already achieved $31.9 million (48 per cent) of its $66 million goal.

Presented to this week’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, chair Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says council savings reduce rates rises, which is why they’re so important.

“These savings are directly used to keep rates and debt down. In total, $66 million saved represents 2.5 per cent of rates rises that have been avoided,” says Cr Simpson. “The savings to date this year are excellent news for our ratepayers and shows the council’s focus on delivering increased efficiency and maximising every ratepayer dollar.

“We want rates to remain affordable, particularly when the cost of living is so high for Aucklanders.”

Savings in the last quarter were achieved across a range of areas, including detailed budget reviews, reductions in staffing, consultancy and general promotional activity.

Auckland Council has exceeded its substantial savings targets over recent years, with many of the initiatives implemented continuing to bring benefits every year.  

For 2024/2025, the $66 million savings target builds on top of ongoing savings of $90 million per year which have already been achieved and locked into the council’s budget.

The $337 million of savings achieved over the past three years is forecast to grow to just under half a billion dollars by the end of the 2024/2025 year.

“The results so far speak volumes for how closely the council is monitoring its costs and enhancing its revenue,” says Cr Simpson.

“While we’re off to a promising start this year, continuing to find savings across the business is a challenge. But we continue to focus on delivering value for money, because it’s vital work to keep rates as affordable for Aucklanders as possible.”

For 2025/2026, the council aims to save an additional $19 million per year and in 2026/2027 a further $20 million per year.

For every $25 million of planned savings in the council’s budget, a rates rise of around 1 per cent is avoided.  

Source: Auckland Council

Aucklanders are encouraged to provide feedback on a new development contributions policy that influences how the cost of Auckland’s growth is shared.

The new development contributions policy proposes fees the council will charge developers to help fund the cost of growth in Tāmaki Makaurau. The consultation closes on Friday, November 15.

Auckland Council manager of financial policy, Andrew Duncan, said the policy helps fund new assets such as roads, pipes and public amenities that enable homes or business properties to be developed.

“We encourage all Aucklanders to get involved with this consultation – it will influence the infrastructure for our new developments in future, and how well they support growth in the region,” said Mr Duncan.

“That’s roads, footpaths, stormwater and drainage systems, community facilities, libraries and parks that go on to form the basis of our communities, their day-to-day quality of living and resilience to weather events.”

Auckland’s population is expected to grow by approximately 600,000 people over the next 30 years.

Development contributions see the costs of infrastructure fairly shared between developers, ratepayers, and the government.

Over the 10 years to 2034, the council is investing around $39.3 billion in its capital investment programme, including $10.3 billion of projects with a growth component.

Mr Duncan says the proposed policy changes to reflect this investment will increase the average development contribution fee from $21,000 to $30,000 per household unit equivalent.

From 2034 to 2054, $10.9 billion will also be invested in the Investment Priority Areas at Drury, the inner northwest (Redhills, Westgate, and Whenuapai), and the Auckland Housing Programme areas at Tāmaki, Mt Roskill, and Māngere. These areas are joint priority areas with the government and are key locations for the council to focus its limited resources.

“The council has looked at what is required across those areas and, to ensure our priority developments are adequately established, we have proposed price changes.”

The council has reviewed Drury’s stormwater infrastructure needs and the level of investment required over the next 30 years. As a result, the average development contribution in Drury will rise from $70,000 to $83,000.

The council’s current assessment of the long-term infrastructure requirements for the inner northwest and Tāmaki, Māngere and Mt Roskill proposes an additional $8.9 billion of investment over 30 years.

This brings proposed development contributions costs to $98,000 for the inner northwest (up from $25,000); $29,000 in Māngere (was $18,000); $52,000 in Mt Roskill (up from $20,000) and $119,000 in Tāmaki (was $31,000).

The proposed higher development contributions reflect the value of the infrastructure required to support development.

“These fees flow onto the quality of services and infrastructure in these new developments. The council’s aim is to ensure these communities have what they need for decades to come, for those families and owners who live in them,” says Mr Duncan.

The council’s economic analysis shows that higher development contributions do not generally lead to higher house prices. The price of housing is determined by supply and demand for houses, not the cost of land and building.

The consultation closes on Friday 15 November 2024 and all Aucklanders are encouraged to have their say, on what their future neighbourhoods need.

Visit council’s Have Your Say webpage to provide feedback.

Source: Auckland Council

On November 10 Piper (a tunnel-boring machine) completed the final leg of her journey to install a five-kilometre-long pipeline to transport wastewater from Warkworth to the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

The new pipeline is part of a broader programme of work by Watercare to improve the performance of the local wastewater network and support growth in Warkworth, Snells Beach and Algies Bay.

Watercare is investing over $300 million, which includes building a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant at Snells Beach.

Watercare project manager Dirk Du Plessis says the pipeline was tunnelled in three stages, with the last stage being the shortest and easiest for Piper to complete. 

“On her final leg, Piper went headfirst, mostly downhill, to tunnel through consistent but hard ground.

“Unlike the other two legs, her third leg had no curves on it – making things a bit easier and faster.

“Throughout her journey, Piper used her face to devour a smorgasbord of various soft and hard ground that were transported out of the tunnel and separated from the water at a dedicated separation plant at the launchpad. 

“At the separation plant, the ground material is separated and water is pumped back to Piper to transport much-needed bentonite for lubrication and for pumping tailings back to the surface.

“Since September of last year, Piper has been installing the pipeline at a rate of about 36 meters per day.”

Watercare senior project engineer AJ Jaafar says despite Piper breaking down twice on her 14-month journey, the installation of the pipeline has gone rather smoothly. 

“Between each leg, a dedicated McConnell Dowell crew would spend two to three months getting her ready to go.

“During this time, the crew would give her a good pampering: washing and checking her hydraulics, motors, and navigation systems, as well as replacing worn-out seals and mechanical parts or broken equipment damaged from her last leg.

“Plus, it also gave the crew time to set up the equipment at each new launch site and do final checks and balances before starting each leg.  

“Once she’s tunnelling up to 50 metres underground, it’s almost impossible to get her out for repairs without causing damage and delays to the project.

Jaafar says once Piper completes this final leg, she will undergo a full maintenance check. 

“After Piper gets a clean bill of health, she will move onto her next job with her own dedicated drive crew. 

“Our next major milestone for the project is to backfill the drive sites and to connect the pipeline into the Lucy Moore Wastewater Pump Station and Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant.   

“After that, this pipeline will be brought into service at the same time as the pump station and treatment plant, which is scheduled to be in service by mid to late 2025.”  

Update on the Snells Wastewater Treatment Plant 

More than 120 workers are diligently working to complete the mechanical and electrical installation at the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant. 

Watercare project manager Casper Kruger says the crews have livened the motor control centre recently, permanently connecting the plant to the local power network. 

“Achieving this required a coordinated effort between the contractor, power supplier, and electrical inspector following months of preparation and planning.” 

Kruger says the teams focus is on completing key elements of the plant in preparation for commissioning in 2025.

In the coming weeks, our crews will be finishing up the installation of the outfall tanks and UV systems, as well as having the process water in place for the cold commissioning start in early 2025. 

“The completion of our control building is another key element of the plant that will shortly be fitted out to enable the cold commissioning to begin.” 

Kruger says cold commissioning is a crucial step to ensure the plant operates smoothly and safely. 

“This process involves testing and verifying the plant’s electrical and mechanical equipment, as well as treatment systems, without introducing wastewater into the system.

“This phase is essential for identifying and rectifying potential problems early, reducing the risk of operational failures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

“The Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant is on track to be brought back into service by mid to late 2025.”

Currently, the two wastewater treatment plants at Warkworth and Snells Beach serve a population of around 8,500 people. The new plant will be able to serve 18,000 people initially and will undergo staged upgrades as required to serve up to 35,000 people. 

Source: Auckland Council

The ambitious endeavor to restore Kawau Island’s biodiversity has gained support from the New Zealand Nature Fund, marking a pivotal moment in conservation efforts within the Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui-ā-Toi/ Hauraki Gulf.

Led by Auckland Council in partnership with Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust, Predator Free 2050 Limited and the Department of Conservation, and in collaboration with the Kawau Island community, the project aims to initially eradicate introduced browsing pests (wallabies and possums). Discussions with the Kawau Island community are underway regarding the potential future eradication of invasive predators (stoats and rats), on the journey towards a pest-free Kawau Island.

Kawau Island, known for its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, has faced ecological challenges due to the presence of browsing pests such as wallabies and possums. These invasive species have threatened native flora and fauna, hindering the island’s natural regeneration processes.

The NZ Nature Fund was established in 2000 to raise funds from donors for projects that halt the decline of endangered species, protect and restore Aotearoa New Zealand’s wild places. In the past 12 months NZNF has raised over $1.8 million from private donors for more than 14 conservation projects. 

Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee Councilor Richard Hills says enabling the public to donate to the project through the NZ Nature Fund is a crucial step towards realising the vision of a pest-free Kawau Island.

“The support from the New Zealand Nature Fund underscores our commitment to protecting Auckland’s natural heritage and enhancing the resilience of our ecosystems.”

Significant funding contributions to the project have been secured from Predator Free 2050 Limited, Auckland Council, and the Ministry for Primary Industries through the Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme. To further support the delivery costs of the project, the New Zealand Nature Fund has set a fundraising target of $2 million, with local landowners kick-starting the fund by generously contributing over $500,000 to date.

“We are proud to be an anchor funder and supporting this large, complex landscape scale project which will contribute to a growing national and international body of knowledge around predator and pest eradications,” says Brett Butland, Landscape Director for Predator Free 2050 Ltd. “At 2058 hectares, Kawau Island could be poised to become one of New Zealand’s largest inhabited pest-free islands and is therefore a significant milestone on the national journey towards a predator free New Zealand by 2050.”

Auckland Council’s Project Lead Lisa Tolich emphasised a project of this scale demands a collaborative approach.

“We are grateful for the support from our partners and the local community to date, including the Pohutukawa Trust, whose involvement has been instrumental in advancing our shared conservation goals.”

Manuhiri Kaitiaki Charitable Trust’s Ayla Walker says that as kaitiaki they are committed to preserving and enhancing the natural environment in Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui-ā-Toi/ Hauraki Gulf through sustainable management and community engagement.

“When we work together as partners to protect and enhance biodiversity, we are working together to create a better future for tamariki, mokopuna and generations to come. If we protect and restore the whenua (the land), if we protect and restore the moana (the ocean), then all people will thrive.”

With the removal of browsing pests, nationally and regionally threatened plant and animal species are expected to increase in abundance. Weed management efforts will also support the native seedbank to naturally restore.

Further discussions will continue with the community as the project looks ahead to planning and delivering the next stage of removing invasive predator species, following confirmation of the successful eradication of the browsing species.

The eradication of invasive species from Kawau Island is expected to yield numerous benefits, including extending a vital predator-free corridor linking mainland Tāwharanui Regional Park to Kawau Island and nearby pest-free sanctuaries in the Hauraki Gulf. The project also hopes to see the restoration of native vegetation, enhanced habitat for endemic species like kiwi and pāteke, and increased resilience of marine ecosystems in the Hauraki Gulf.

 “This project underlines what can be achieved and sets a high bar for private donations from a local community, for conservation initiatives. It is a fantastic demonstration of how communities and organisations can work together to achieve ambitious environmental goals,” noted Denis Marshall of the New Zealand Nature Fund.

For more information on the Kawau Island restoration project and to support ongoing conservation efforts, please visit New Zealand Nature Fund.

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Source: Auckland Council

Te Komititanga, Auckland’s premier public square in lower Queen Street, will host the spectacular debut of a magical new Christmas tree Te Manaaki this festive season.

Standing at a majestic 18.4 metres high and decorated with over 10,000 individual led lights, 4,000 vibrant pōhutukawa flowers and over 200 giant baubles, Te Manaaki marks the start of a new festive tradition for Auckland in quintessentially Kiwi style.

Giant baubles will return to Te Komititanga. Photo Gino Demeer.

A gift for the city through a partnership between Heart of the City and Precinct Properties with support from Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate, Te Manaaki will bring festive magic for all to enjoy. Read more here.

Jenny Larking, Auckland Council Head of City Centre Programmes, is delighted to see a full series of festive activations coming to many of our city centre streets and squares this Christmas.  

“We are thrilled to be able to support the Farmers Santa Parade, The Pav coming to Aotea Square, vibrant Queen Street festive activations and also Te Manaaki, a spectacular addition to Auckland’s festive celebrations.

“Our partners in the city centre have been calling for collaboration between Auckland Council and local business associations, to significantly increase the number of events and promotions in the city centre, to bring joy, vibrancy and much needed foot traffic to the area after a tough few years.

“The city centre targeted rate, contributed by city centre businesses and residents, funds a comprehensive programme of events and promotions throughout the year. Funding Te Manaaki through the city centre targeted rate means that the resources provided by city centre businesses and residents are reinvested to benefit the same community.

Shopping in Galway Street. Photo Jay Farnworth

“Auckland’s city centre has the best hospitality and entertainment offerings in the city. By investing in Te Manaaki, Auckland Council is helping ensure it can put on a festive season for the whole region to enjoy and bring vital pre-Christmas trading into the city centre,” says Jenny Larking.

Te Manaaki is a significant investment, for the city that will be enjoyed for many years to come. Heart of the City and Precinct Properties have made equal contributions.

Auckland Council’s contribution, via the city centre targeted rate, of $800,000 provides $400,000 (roughly one-third) towards the purchase cost, and $400,000 towards operational funding over the next few years to bring this festive experience to Te Komititanga.

It is expected Heart of the City and Precinct Properties will bring in private investment to contribute to displaying Te Manaaki over future festive seasons. 

Read more about the city centre targeted rate here. 

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s Animal Management team have reported a successful response to the recent reminder notices issued to dog owners who had not yet registered their pets for the current year, seeing the number of registered dogs increase by 4407 within the two-week period.

A total of 22,929 pre-infringement reminder notices were sent out to owners of 26,614 unregistered dogs across Auckland. The response has been both encouraging and impactful, growing registrations as well as giving Auckland Council more accurate data on the number of dogs currently residing in the Auckland region.

Prior to the notices being sent, a total of 132,574 dogs were recorded in the Council’s database. However, responses to the notices indicate that 2,337 previously unregistered dogs were either deceased, sold, or had moved out of Auckland, bringing the current number down to 130,237 dogs.

Animal Management Manager, Elly Waitoa, praised the swift response from dog owners.

“The response has been staggering and very positive. The number of unregistered dogs in Auckland has reduced by 6,744 to 21,411. This has not only updated our records but also contributed significant revenue to support essential animal management services for the community.”

The registration drive generated $767,349 in revenue in the first two weeks of responses – a critical contribution to Auckland Council’s budget for maintaining public safety and managing animal welfare.

“It is clear dog owners are taking more responsibility and responding positively to the notices. This is money previously outstanding to the council, and we are pleased to see such a great response. Our goal is for all dog owners to register their pets, rather than face a $300 fine as the next enforcement step.”

Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Councillor Josephine Bartley says this initiative underscores the council’s commitment to responsible dog ownership across Auckland, and aims to ensure all pets are registered and accounted for.

“We want to thank the dog owners who took action on these notices and remind them that continuing compliance helps maintain a safe and enjoyable community for everyone,” Cr Bartley says.

The council observed the highest response rates from the northern and southern regions of Auckland.

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has met the final condition in its journey to becoming a Living Wage Aotearoa accredited living wage employer.

The Living Wage Movement executive director Gina Lockyer congratulates Auckland Council on achieving its accreditation.

“It is fantastic to award the council their accreditation at our 10-year anniversary event and recognise the journey our community and Auckland Council have been on together to get to this point.”

“When workers are moved to the Living Wage, the benefits are felt at work and at home, and it’s a win/ win for the council and the wider community,” says Ms Lockyer.

Auckland Council first committed to paying its direct employees a living wage in 2017. This was extended to contract cleaners in 2019. This latest milestone, which completed the requirements for accreditation from Living Wage Aotearoa, sees the living wage commitment extended to indirect council employees – those that work for the council under contracts on maintenance, security, at contracted out pools and leisure centres, and on waste services.

Chief Executive Phil Wilson speaks to his pride of the council’s commitment to a living wage and reaching this accreditation milestone. 

“As an employer of more than 7,000 kaimahi, we are conscious of the contribution we make to employment in Tāmaki Makaurau and the example we can set for others. 

“We began this journey in 2017, we extended it to contracted cleaners in 2019 and have worked with our contract partners and suppliers since then to include a living wage commitment in our supplier agreements.

“It is a proud moment to be able to say that we have taken our suppliers on this journey towards fairer pay, for the people who deliver vital services that keep our region running,” says Mr Wilson.

The council’s elected representatives have also been instrumental in reaching this milestone, with decision-making on budgets and endorsement of pay-related principles being an important part of decisions.

“We couldn’t have delivered this without the support of our elected representatives, many have been champions around the decision-making table as we have worked to balance budgets and support equity in our workforce,” adds Mr Wilson. 

“Alongside Mayor Brown, who included the Living Wage in the Long-term Plan, perhaps one of our strongest supporters was former Councillor Efeso Collins and this milestone is a fitting tribute to him in the year of his untimely passing.”

“The council’s accreditation was announced on 6 November 2024, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the Living Wage movement in Aotearoa – what a great way for us to acknowledge their mahi!”

Source: Auckland Council

When trains return to Pukekohe Station in January, commuters will be able to catch a train at 5.10am and every 20 minutes after until 7pm. 

KiwiRail has told Franklin Local Board members final timetables are still being worked on, but it is envisaged the first weekday service will depart at 5.10am, and at 6.10am on weekends and holidays. 

Services will continue every 20 minutes until 7pm, when they will move to a half-hourly schedule. 

Trains will arrive back at Pukekohe every 20 minutes until around 9pm, and then every half hour until the end of service, with the last train departing Britomart around 10pm on Sunday, 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 1:30am on Friday night and midnight on Saturday. 

Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says residents are hanging out for the return of services. 

“It’s been a long time coming, but at this time of year you turn around and it’s Christmas, and the January return of services will be just around the corner,” he says.

“The reward for all that disruption will be a modern efficient service that runs at a higher speed, no swapping at Papakura and obviously saying ‘goodbye’ to lengthy commutes that tie so many of us up on the motorway.”

Timetables associated with the operation of the Central Rail Loop will be another significant improvement to the city’s public transport network when they come into effect, Baker adds.

Local Board members have also been updated on the three new stations being developed.

At Paerata, early earthworks are underway for the rail bridge retaining wall, with main construction imminent. 

At Drury, early earthworks have taken place, including installation of 279 concrete piles. Vegetation clearance has taken place, with construction expected to start before the end of the year. 

At Ngakoroa, communications are expected to begin with neighbours in the coming months. 

“We have asked that buses complement the restoration of train services and Auckland Transport says they are being timed to meet the new services, often with increased frequency,” says board chair Angela Fulljames.

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