Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Local submissions will help the North-west, say board member

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.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

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

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.