Somehow its June and like always, I have lot to catch you up on.
Let’s start with a biggie. The Budget. This about what we aim to achieve for the year starting July 1, and how we will fund that work.
The big parts of it are as follows;
· It includes an extra $47 million - $176 million all up, of savings and this, combined with efficiencies and capital spending rules, shows Auckland we are serious about saving money.
· As a result of getting more from our two biggest income earners Port of Auckland and Auckland Future Fund, reduces councils’ percentage of income from rates down to 30%
· Sets an average 5.8% residential rates rise, potentially the lowest, or close to it, in the country
· Delivers capital investment in infrastructure of $3.9 billion
· Provides a solution for major events funding (at least a band aid) until we get a Bed Night Visitor levy
· Confirmed the fairer funding increase of $3.2 million to the Orakei Local Board budget from last year
· Local benefits include completing Stage 4 of the Shared path from Orakei to Tamaki Drive, below the ground investment and water quality improvements, Michaels Ave Reserve improvements and sports investment.
Locally in the 2025/2026 financial year, the Ōrākei Local Board plans to :
Increase funding:
- for animal and plant pest control
- to restore the health of local ecosystems
- continue working with community volunteers to improve our natural environment
· Continue local initiatives through funding, for example for Neighbourhood Support:
- to improve neighbourhood connections
- more safety and emergency planning
- fund and support local events, such as Splash Landing and Anzac services
- maintain efforts to monitor and improve water quality in our local waterways
- Continue to deliver activities that encourage people to use the facilities at Tagalad Reserve North and The Landing
· Progress detailed design and consent work for:
- Thomas Bloodworth Park
- the sports fields on Shore Road
- field and sports infrastructure at Colin Maiden Park
- renewal of artificial playing surfaces at Michaels Avenue Reserve
- find a new partner to develop the Meadowbank Community Centre
- develop an action plan to improve the environment at Dingle Dell Reserve and access to the reserve
· Work to improve Ellerslie town square with:
- better access
- ability to hold events and programmes to encourage people to visit
- more safety features and public facilities with better tree management, landscaping and seating.
I also want to shine a light on what has been delivered or is currently ongoing in the Ōrākei ward.
The Judges Bay Watercare works are now complete – you may remember the 2023 storms led to a wastewater pipe breaking deep underneath the Rose Gardens in Parnell. It has taken time, engineering and ingenuity to find a solution, so I am pleased the plan worked out and it officially opens on Friday June 6.
Watercare released their 10 year business plan as it prepares to become financially independent from Council come 1 July this year. The plan will see them spend on average $3.8 million PER DAY on improving below the ground infrastructure. About half of that will be replacing or upgrading existing assets and the other half on expanding networks to support population growth. Eastern bays residents will be very happy that this investment includes almost a quarter of a billion dollars ( $245 million) on what’s called the Eastern Isthmus Water Quality Improvement programme that will lead to cleaner urban streams and a healthier Hobson Bay and Waitemata Harbour including upgrades of sewer pipes in Remuera, Mission Bay and St Heliers. The plan also includes another $63 million of investment to continue replacing aged sections of the Orakei Main sewer between the Auckland Domain and Parnell
St Heliers Toilet renewal is being done now. This includes fixing the roof, exterior plastering work, security screen bars and painting. St Heliers beach is popular all year round so it is great to have these facilities maintained.
Paritai Drive, Ōrākei. Auckland Transport are currently undertaking significant works to stabilise the cliff face which runs down to Tamaki Drive. A large retaining wall is being added along with a surface upgrade to the road.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, I am pleased to advise I am seeking your support to stand again as the councillor for Orakei. The mayor has told me if he is successful, I will remain his Deputy Mayor for the next three years. However, first and foremost, I will stand to represent you around the Town Hall table.
As always, happy to answer any questions or queries you may have