We end this week (day 73 of lockdown) with some good news on vaccination rates for the Orakei Ward area. As of Tuesday 26 October, 93% have had their first dose, 85% are fully vaccinated and only 7% have not yet been vaccinated. If we break that down further, only two suburbs have not yet reached 90% for first dose: Mission Bay (89.7%) and the eastern part of Orakei (87.9%). If you know anyone in those areas, please give them a call and encourage them to get vaccinated. If they have any questions or concerns, I suggest they talk to a medical professional. Having said that, as a ward area we are doing very well. So to those that have, thank you for getting your vaccination (s) and in doing so helping to keep yourself, your friends, family, and our community safe.
Now the not so good news… This week the government announced that the proposed Three Waters reform will be mandated. This came as a surprise to many councils and elected members throughout the country. You will recall from my newsletter to you on 24 September that I did fear this would happen. Some of you may have seen my thoughts on the Minister’s decision in the media. I’m pretty annoyed (to put it mildly) and could rant and rave for hours about how the government has failed to recognise Auckland’s differences, both in terms of governance arrangements and the fact that we are already the most efficient and effective water supplier in New Zealand. There are in my opinion massive issues around the proposed governance and accountability. The ownership model proposed does not reflect the investment in water assets that have been made by Aucklanders and should. As for our investment , we have already resolved to invest $11 billion into our water infrastructure over the next ten years. Much of it in our Ward, and the sad point around that, is I cannot now guarantee the delivery of that investment( especially in latter years) with the new mandated model.
The big question on my mind, is what can we do about it? This morning I discussed with the mayor our options to deliver on our commitment to consult with Aucklanders, noting the government have no longer given us the option to opt out. I will update as soon as this has been confirmed. I am absolutely committed to making sure we hear from our communities, so that when Council presents to select committee, we can do so with evidence of the views of Aucklanders. The Minister has also indicated that a working group will be established to work through some of the common themes that have come up in the feedback from councils. We are yet to see any detail about this group or how it will operate, but I would absolutely be keen for Auckland Council to go into those discussions well-informed about the views of Aucklanders on this issue.
However, to end the week on a positive, Auckland Council has now raised in excess of $1 BILLION in green bonds. Green bonds can only be used to fund projects that will benefit the environment. We were the first organization in New Zealand to raise money this way and have proven ourselves to be not just an Auckland leader but a national leader in this space. In essence, it’s $1 billion that doesn’t come from ratepayers that has funded projects such as upgraded electric trains, LED street lighting, sustainable water management projects and public cycleways.
Stay safe and enjoy your weekend.