North Shore local boards set to lose millions
Auckland Council is currently considering a new funding model for local boards that will strip investment from the North Shore. Last week the Kaipātiki Local Board unanimously opposed it and pointed out that it may be illegal.
The new model moves away from funding local boards based on current assets and services, and instead redistributes funding based on a formula of Population, Deprivation and Land Area (80:15:5). This new formula would effectively strip millions of dollars from both the Kaipātiki Local Board and Devonport-Takapuna Local Board and give it to other local boards, meaning less investment into our area and possibly the closure of public assets (buildings, playgrounds, bridges, parks, etc) or cuts to local services. Both local boards already don’t receive adequate funding to maintain assets, so this is a real concern.
What we say:
Attached is our feedback on the proposal and an alternative fairer funding model that we have put forward. Instead of the Governing Body (Mayor and Councillors) receiving all income and allocating a small amount to be shared between the 21 local boards, we believe that each local board should instead keep a percentage of the rates raised from its own area, and then pay a levy to the Governing Body to cover regional expenses. We have provided figures showing that if the levy was set at only 33% of the rate take, that every local board would be better off and able to fulfil their obligations under the law. The Governing Body would still receive the lions’ share of 67% of rates. We have also suggested that any revenue generated from fees or charges (for example, Leisure Centre fees) should be allocated to the respective local board in addition to the rates amount.
We have also pointed out that it is potentially illegal for the proposed funding formula to not factor in the rates collected and the revenue generated in a local board area. The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 clearly states that the funding formula must have regard to both rates and revenue derived from each local board area. From what we can tell, these have not been considered, let alone included, in the proposed funding formula.
Poll: Would you commute by public transport if it was free?
Using your car is convenient, except for finding parking.
Cycling lets you leave anytime, but you might arrive soaked.
So, neighbours, if public transport had the perk of being free, would it be your main way to commute?
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68% Yes
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29% No
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3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
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