In September, I shared with you the outcomes of the review of our Council Controlled Organisations (CCO) Review which included a recommendation to merge Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) into one entity. Last week the new entity was named- Auckland Unlimited – reflecting the huge potential our city has! Auckland Unlimited will now be responsible for tourism promotion, major events, economic development, and our major facilities including the Aotea Centre, Mt Smart Stadium and the Zoo. It’s important that we take these opportunities to make savings for ratepayers and I’m pleased to advise this merger is set to save us up to $7million per year!
Speaking of savings, last week the Finance and Performance Committee received an update on Auckland Council’s progress towards our $120million savings target for our Emergency Budget. In the last month, we’ve made a further $9million in savings taking us to a total of $78million thus far. This is an incredible achievement but also an absolute necessity if council is to meet our budget restraints.
On Friday 30th October, the Auckland Council Group published our Annual Report 2019/2020 detailing what we and our council controlled organisations have done over the past year to contribute to Auckland’s outcomes. While our careful fiscal management has ensured that we are well-placed to steer a course to recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and the drought, in the face of strong headwinds we will need continue to find economies and become a leaner, more agile organization. I have shared the key highlights from our latest annual report on my website.
The Finance and Performance Committee have continued our weekly workshops as part of our Long-Term Plan (2021-2031) process. Following the conclusion of these workshops at the end of November, Mayor Goff will put forward his proposal including the issues he would like to consult with the public on. Public consultation will take place from mid-February to mid-March. I will keep you informed via these updates as I feel strongly that you need to be informed and input before any final decisions are made.
Those of you who travel by train will be aware of Kiwirail’s ongoing essential works which have resulted in temporary closures. This weekend (7 and 8th November), the Eastern Line is operational between Britomart and Sylvia Park, however buses will replace trains between Panmure and Manukau. The Southern Line is operational between Britomart and Penrose, with buses replacing trains from Penrose to Pukekohe. The following weekend (14 and 15th November), buses replace trains on all lines to allow for upgrades to the Westfield and Wiri Junctions.
Sticking with local news, I was delighted last month when my colleagues on the Parks, Arts and Communities and Events Committee joined with me and approved allocation from the Sport and Recreation Investment Fund for $190,000 to Auckland Netball. This money will progress a site investigation and business case for future indoor/covered court development at the Netball Centre in Stonefields. This is incredible news for the area .It’s so important that our young people have access to state of the art sports facilities so that we can nurture their talents.
Last year we had some really terrible fires at Maungarei (Mt Wellington) and Maungawhau (Mt Eden) on Guy Fawkes’ Night which caused significant damage to vegetation. In response, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority who govern Auckland’s volcanic cones announced they will be closed to the public in the evenings during the week of Guy Fawkes. This will be the case each year for as long as fireworks remain on sale to the public. I would encourage you to enjoy public firework displays rather than purchasing your own – in addition to potential dangers if misused, they cause a great deal of anxiety for our pets. There are several events throughout the month of November where families can enjoy firework displays safely.
The maunga will be closed from 7.30pm each night from Monday 2nd November until Sunday 8th November and volunteers will be present to advise the public of the closures. Remember you can only light fireworks on private property from 5pm-10.30pm and you CANNOT light fireworks on beaches or parks and reserves, that’s illegal. If you are concerned those around you are not following rules, please contact the police on 111. Council’s by law does not provide us with adequate enforcement options which is why we have petitioned central government for help- still waiting on that.
And sticking with the subject of fireworks, Auckland Diwali festival is underway across the city between now and the 14th November including dance performances and the chance to try some incredible Indian cuisine. To learn more about The Festival of Lights, celebrated by our significant Indian communities click here. Look out for special Diwali colours (fuchsia and yellow) lighting up the Sky Tower, Queen Street, the Harbour Bridge and Te Ara I Whiti also known as the Lightpath (either side of the pink cyclepath)
Locally there are also some exciting events happening in Ōrākei Ward this weekend:
For book lovers, the Great Auckland Bargain Book Fair will be held at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium (behind Selwyn College) Saturday 7th from 9am-1am ( Sunday) and then Sunday 7am -3pm
Also Saturday, Kohimarama Presbyterian Church are holding their Christmas Gift Fair from 9am-2pm. Keep your kids entertained with the bouncy castle and cookie icing, whilst you look at all the festive fare.
On Sunday, New Zealand’s largest Italian Festival returns to Newmarket’s Osborne St, Kent St, Rialto Centre and Lumsden Green from 11am-5pm. Since none of us will be travelling to Italy any time soon, the next best thing is celebrating Italian food, culture and entertainment here in Auckland!
Finally, I’d like to pause to acknowledge a dear friend of mine, Tracey Elliot, who passed away on October 31st after a 6 year battle with breast cancer. Her husband, Troy Elliot is on the Ōrākei Local Board and was with me fundraising for the Breast Cancer Foundation when he received the sad news. I’m sure you will join with me in sending condolences to Troy and his wider family.
Stay safe and feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions or queries
Desley