It is the season to be jolly, so I thought Id highlight some of the positive results from 2019. Its not a full list, as yes there is more, but these are just a snapshot of those I’ve chosen
· $350 million of Green Bonds issued
After leading the way in 2018 as the first organisation in New Zealand to issue Green Bonds, Auckland Council followed up with a second release of $150 million in July 2019. Green bonds are a way to raise funds to spend specifically on ‘green’ initiatives such as electric trains and cycle ways.
· $2.75 billion capital investment
From major regional initiatives such as the City Rail Link, delivery of our water quality and natural environment targeted rate programmes through to local initiatives such as new community facilities and the development of town centres. This is Auckland’s future in progress.
· $5 million pledged to Auckland City Mission
To support the City mission’s ambitious HomeGround project, council pledged financial support to help our region’s homeless. This purpose built centre will house 80 apartments to provide safe and supported permanent shelter.
· Auckland Council has retained its AA S&P credit rating and an Aa2 Moody’s rating
These are higher than any of the 26 registered banks that currently operate in New Zealand.
· Net debt to total assets currently sits at 16%
In simple terms this is similar to having a 16% mortgage on your home or business.
· Operational savings of $24.6 million
This was against a target of $23 million. We aim to save an additional $23 million in operational expenditure this year too.
· $70 million of Natural Environment and Water Quality targeted rates collected
The impact and outcomes of this essential revenue goes to initiatives large and small across the region – all with one outcome in mind – clean up our environment and waterways. From
$50 million Daldy Street/Freemans Bay projects to reduce overflows and contamination in our harbours, to $4,000 for Men’s Shed East Auckland for materials to make rat traps, every cent is focused on improving the health of our surroundings.
· $1.1 million contribution towards free public transport for children
Has helped provide free public transport travel at weekends and public holidays for kids aged 5 to 15.
· $400 million project to secure Auckland’s water supply is almost completed
The final 3.5km of the Hunua 4 watermain is now under construction. Once completed this 31km pipe will run from Redoubt Road in Manukau City and finish at Khyber Pass in the central city.
· A record 14,000 new residential dwellings consented
· Over 15 million items checked out of our libraries
And over 11 million visits made to libraries throughout Auckland.
· 400 paths and over 62km of track walked by the Kauri team to identify Kauri Dieback
With the support of the Natural Environment Targeted Rate, we are protecting Kauri trees from Kauri Dieback disease in our regional and local parks. Over the year, we reopened eight tracks in the Waitakere Ranges, allowing Aucklanders back into the bush whilst protecting our mighty Kauri.
· We purchased land for another 13 new parks and open spaces at a cost of $44.2 million
We’ve got 3,575 local parks dotted throughout the region and the land bought last year gives us over 29 hectares of new parks and open space.
Hope this highlights some of the good news to put a smile on your dial
Stay safe and I’ll be back in touch next year
Desley Simpson