Important Issues Face Council

Despite the recent media given to North Shore City Council (NST 18 Nov. p.3) the Council and officers are functioning extremely well.

There are many more important issues facing our City in these uncertain times and there is much to do. For example, where do we find $30 million for the cycle network over the next 10-15 years (when each $1m increase in spending or debt interest payments equates to about 1% increase in rates) or the many tens of millions for the proposed Albany library or Northern Recreation Centre or $12 million extra for wastewater requirements?

Under Andrew William’s mayoralty, Council has scrutinised the budget, almost line by line, for savings but at the same time continued to develop high quality services. We have tried to improve consultation and liaison with our communities and recently Council has signed or is developing many Memoranda of Understanding and new policy strategies including with the NZ Fire Service, North Shore Pacifica, Ngati Whatua. Delegations have been restored to our community boards in an attempt to deliver decision-making close to the community. In addition, the commercial airport proposal at Whenuapai has been shelved and new parks purchased, helping to protect and enhance North Shore communities and lifestyles. Of importance, are the new district plan change proposal and the heritage strategy both designed to protect our heritage zones. We have worked hard to improve access to bus services on the Bus Lanes, enhance ecological initiatives and develop ferry services at Beach Haven and Birkenhead and ensure the Birkenhead Library project proceeds as required.

However, Council is political and there will always be differences in policy and more councillors than positions to fill leading inevitably to some disenchantment, grumbling and frustration. But, I am ever hopeful that will not distract most from Council delivering on our residents’ expectations of us focusing on providing quality services, improved facilities and at as low a cost as possible.