EMA endorses review of Auckland Council assets

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) fully endorses the move by Auckland Council to put asset sales on the table as part of a review of its funding models.

EMA has stated previously it believes asset sales by the council is crucial to the local authority’s future funding plans. At the same time, it also needs to focus its spending on core business to control costs.

“Our preference is for councils to spend what they take more efficiently and make better use of their assets,” says Kim Campbell, CEO, EMA.

“Auckland Council is under considerable pressure to deliver regional infrastructure projects to meet the needs of a growing region. It now needs to look at rationalising its asset holdings to deliver maximum benefit to the region. Asset sales are a key part of this process.

“For example, we believe the Port should go to a landlord model, retain ownership of the land and sell off the management contract.

“We also believe Auckland can make better use of its billion dollar property portfolio and airport shares,” says Mr Campbell.

ENDS

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