Local Body Manifesto: What Business wants from Council

With the countdown now on until local body elections, EMA has released its key recommendations for Auckland’s incoming Mayor and councillors.

The Auckland in Focus EMA Policy Manifesto 2016 outlines key action points and recommendations that matter the most to its members, who are the lifeblood of the city.

"We have taken an Auckland-centric view in this manifesto as we believe if the elected representatives can get it right, it will have a halo effect for all of our membership from Taupo-north," says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA.

"However, there are common themes across our membership that apply to every local authority, such as lack of infrastructure and how to maintain and fund new investment, transport issues and the increasing demands on business to fund local government coffers.

"On behalf of our members, we want the local politicians to take heed of our recommendations and be brave enough to make decisions that focus on the core priorities of the city for the benefit of ratepayers.

"Auckland city is facing major challenges. By 2036 its population is predicted to rise by almost 750,000. We’re already lagging behind in infrastructure investment by up to $14 billion and that will only be exacerbated with the intensification allowed for under the Unitary Plan. Furthermore, there continues to be a disconnect between where people live and work, both now and in the future, that will only add to current congestion woes," says Mr Campbell.

The key actions and recommendations outlined in the manifesto are:

-The Auckland Unitary Plan, EMA does not oppose intensification however it urges the new Mayor and councillors to give greater priority to infrastructure planning, investment and construction to more effectively enable the plan

-Transport issues are arguably the biggest single issue facing Auckland city and EMA encourages the politicians to put aside parish pump politics and provide strategic and visionary leadership to address this major concern

-Ports of Auckland Ltd and its future sits with the Council and the EMA firmly believes the recommendations of the Port Future Study Group be accepted and progressed.

-Uniform Annual General Charge is a critical part of the rating system and the EMA recommends a steady increase is implemented over a period of years to reflect the actual costs of services to ratepayers

-Public Private Partnerships are a common way to fund and deliver big ticket items in overseas territories and the EMA sees these as a major way to overcome the current infrastructure shortfall the city faces.

-Business Differentials applied to rates are currently still too high in EMA’s view. It disputes the rationale that businesses benefit more and have greater ability to pay. Rather the EMA recommends a lowering of current differentials.

ENDS

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