It is disappointing that a small group of self-named ‘B’ team councillors continue to denigrate their fellows. The records show that a minority of Council has campaigned against many good things for the community this year after seemingly and inexplicitly refusing to work with the majority of Council.
The facts speak for themselves.
1. The previous Council planned an average of 8.4% rate rise every year for 10 years. This Council cut back as much of that extravagance as possible. A saving of $136 average per householder in 2009/10 against what the previous Council planned). Unfortunately, some projects were too far entrenched by the previous council to be turned around. And yet in recessionary times we knew that most residents could ill-afford the previously planned rate rises. We cut over $100 million of new capital expenditure from the budget and re-spread some of the others to reduce the impact. I also was only one of two councillors who voted against the $7 million for beautifying the stormwater ponds at Albany as I had not been given sufficient information and the project appeared an extravagant use of ratepayers’ money.
2. The Northern Aquatic Centre was reduced in cost from a planned $14.7million to $10 million with similar facilities plus a new arrangement for public swimming was entered into at the Millennium Centre. Several million was saved from this project rather than the cost blowing out.
3. The Northern Aquatic Centre was also brought forward from a 2018 start to 2013 (refer Council 11-18th Dec 2008).
4. I championed the Northboro Bridge up-grade, Torpedo Bay walkway, Beach Haven Civic Square, Highbury Mainstreet upgrade, Hurstmere Green redevelopment, Takapuna Aquatic Centre and Leisure centre upgrades and other projects all of which self-proclaimed ShoreVoice leader Chris Darby voted against. These projects were paid for in cash instead of borrowing and incurring debt. I am grateful that a majority of my colleagues supported these projects showing a willingness to work together to get things done for our community.
5. At the same time the wastewater projects to keep waste off our beaches were brought forward several years.
If you want to be the voice for the Shore then one has to be the voice for the whole of the Shore’s communities. I extend the same offer I did when I first went on council. Despite the antics of some, I am still prepared to work with them for the good of the Shore in the new Auckland Council arrangements.
