Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Local submissions will help the North-west, say board members
Submissions to Auckland Council’s draft 2017/18 Annual Budget close on Monday 27 March and numbers do count, say Rodney
Local Board members Phelan Pirrie, Brent Bailey and Cameron Brewer. The three are part of the Rodney First ticket
representing the Kumeu subdivision.
“People often ask, what difference will it make? Well frankly, as a local board we rely heavily on local people making
submissions as it shows the financial decision-makers at council that our proposed priorities and projects have strong
support locally. And believe me in this fiscally-tight environment, we need all the help we can get to secure investment
here in the North-west, says deputy chair of the Rodney Local Board, Phelan Pirrie.
Brent Bailey, chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee, says while the board’s focus will soon turn to consulting on its all-important three-year local
board plan, getting this annual budget over the line first is critical.
“People’s eye’s start to glaze over when you start talking about council’s annual budget, but it’s the only way we can
deliver things on the ground. Before 27 March, we want people to tell us whether they support the likes of concept
planning for the Huapai Multi-sports Facility, upgrading of the Muriwai playground, and town centre upgrades for
Helensville and Kumeu/Huapai. Also, do locals support us implementing our Greenways plans and do they want a new and
larger grants regime to help improve the health of our harbours and waterways,” says Mr Bailey.
Cameron Brewer, chair of the Transport, Infrastructure & Environment Committee, says if the likes of Kumeu and Huapai residents want structure planning brought forward, then
they need to support the board’s advocacy on this by making specific comments to that effect in their submissions.
“As well as there being specific questions on regional decisions about rates increases, a proposed bed-tax on
accommodation providers, and a living wage for council workers, we want locals to also have their say on the Rodney
Local Board’s priorities for 2017/18. There’s a general comments section where you can give your feedback on anything
local, like more footpaths for Riverhead, and rest assured it will all be noted and counted. However, the key is to
formally give your feedback to council. Having a moan on your Facebook page won’t help us,” says Mr Brewer.
Mr Pirrie says Rodney First was elected with a strong mandate and gained a majority on the local board to focus on
addressing the big local issues and to strongly advocate for much-needed infrastructure and better community amenities.
He says the local board’s draft budget reflects the public’s calls as much as possible.
To find out more about the draft 2017/18 Annual Budget or to make an online submission, visit www.shapeauckland.co.nz.
While all email enquiries should be sent to annualbudget@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Ends