Green Bay, Auckland

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1668 days ago

Auckland councillors agree to take pay cuts

Brian from New Lynn

Goff said he is happy to align with ministerial pay cuts of 20 per cent for the next six months. His annual salary is $296,000, meaning a 20 per cent reduction over six months would see him lose $29,600 before tax. Council chief executive Stephen Town said his executive team and the chief … View moreGoff said he is happy to align with ministerial pay cuts of 20 per cent for the next six months. His annual salary is $296,000, meaning a 20 per cent reduction over six months would see him lose $29,600 before tax. Council chief executive Stephen Town said his executive team and the chief executives of the five council-controlled organisations are "actively considering the possibility of taking pay cuts and what they may look like". "Once a decision has been reached, we will make an announcement," Town said. Goff said a pay cut for elected members would require a law change, which he understood the Government may be considering. "If they don't I'd give the equivalent amount to charity," said Goff. Among the councillors who told the Herald they are prepared to take a pay cut are Chris Fletcher, Efeso Collins, Josephine Bartley, Wayne Walker, Greg Sayers, Cathy Casey, Pippa Coom, John Watson, Paul Young and Sharon Stewart. Hills said he was open to a 10 per cent pay cut or donating 10 per cent to charity for six months if there isn't a legal way to lower pay. Stewart said she was happy to take a pay cut in these difficult times to show support for those who have lost jobs or suffering wage cuts. Sayers said he would take a pay cut, but added the cuts may only save $500,000. Council should be doing more to make savings and reducing regulations to get the private sector investing heavily in the city, he said. Fletcher and Walker called on all councillors to be paid the base salary of $113,174 while only the emergency committee was operating during the crisis. Five councillors who chair major committees that are temporary on hold are paid $138,912.
The cost of salaries for elected representatives, executive teams at council and the CCOs, plus board fees at the CCOs was $33.5m in the 2019 financial year. Waikato District Council Chief Executive Gavin Ion said he has taken a 20 per cent pay cut for the next six months.
"For me, I believe this is one way I can acknowledge that there are people and businesses in our district who are hurting. My family support me in making this decision," he said.
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Executive and elected member salary costs at Auckland Council and CCOs*
Auckland Council
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Mayor and 20 councillors - $2.56m, including Mayor Phil Goff ($279,351)
21 Local Boards - $7.44m
Executive team - $4.12m for 11 staff, including chief executive Stephen Town ($697,692)
Total: $14.12m
Auckland Transport
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Executive team - $4,661,903m for 11 staff, including chief executive Shane Ellison ($560,000-$580,000)
Board fees - $497,700
Total: $5.16m
Watercare
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Executive team - $4,638,000 for nine staff, including chief executive Raveen Jaduram ($770,000-780,000)
Board fees - $443,000
Total: $5.1m
Panuku
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Executive team - $3,298,000 for nine staff, including former chief executive Roger MacDonald ($640,000-$651,000)
Board fees - $464,000
Total: $3.76m
Regional Facilities Auckland
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Executive team - $3,053,000 for 11 staff, including chief executive Chris Brooks (about $480,000)
Board fees - $410,000
Total: $3.46m
Ateed
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Executive team $1.6m for five staff, including chief executive Nick Hill ($420,000-430,000)
Board fees - $323,000
Total: $1.92m
Grand Total: $33.52m
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1669 days ago

Tune In To Your Neighbourhood

Neighbourly.co.nz

Hi there Neighbours!

With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as … View more
Hi there Neighbours!

With numerous gigs, concerts and festivals postponed or cancelled as a result of the level 4 response, we want you to dance the lockdown away with the new Neighbourly Spotify Playlist! Make your suggestions in the comments below - recommend anything you like on there, as well as tunes you think your Neighbours will enjoy. Chuck in some taste-breakers, one-hit wonders or some good old Kiwi classics - it really doesn’t matter. So if you’re running out of ideas on things to do, why not a dance party?

Just remember: keep it PG, refrain from putting any songs in the mix that may cause offence to your Neighbours. You can find the playlist here.

Happy raving NZ!
Reach out

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1676 days ago

Phone lines run hot for welfare assistance

The Team from Auckland Council

We have set up a food distribution centre at Spark Arena at the request of the government to help people needing assistance due to the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown. Around 3000 requests for food parcels have been received by our call centre in the first week of its operation.

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1669 days ago

TVNZ

Maria from Kelston

Why is it that TVNZ can't cater for the elderly during this lockdown .They could have shown a religious movie over Easter which is such a huge thing for them. They were unable to go to Church which was mindblowing for a lot of them . They say the oldies are the most vulnerable and to stay at … View moreWhy is it that TVNZ can't cater for the elderly during this lockdown .They could have shown a religious movie over Easter which is such a huge thing for them. They were unable to go to Church which was mindblowing for a lot of them . They say the oldies are the most vulnerable and to stay at home.A lot of the elderly don't have smart phones, computers etc and their lifeline is TV as is with my mother who i can't see at the moment. There is so many classic movies they could play for them instead of the repeats and crap they keep playing. Give them a couple of hours in the morning or evening dedicated to them. There is so many of them out there on their own, or is it with TVNZ FRANKLY MY DEAR I DON'T GIVE A DAMN.

1669 days ago

Will your child be starting Year 1 when school resumes?

Tori Tokalau Reporter from Western Leader

Hi Neighbours,
Did you child turn five during the lockdown?
Did they miss out on the transition visits because of school closures? We're looking to talk to parents of soon-to-be new Year 1 students on their concerns for when school resumes. Comment below or send me an email … View more
Hi Neighbours,
Did you child turn five during the lockdown?
Did they miss out on the transition visits because of school closures? We're looking to talk to parents of soon-to-be new Year 1 students on their concerns for when school resumes. Comment below or send me an email torika.tokalau@stuff.co.nz

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1669 days ago

Making the most of staying at home

The Team from Auckland Council

It isn’t easy when you and your whānau need to stay at home, but Auckland Council has plenty of great ideas and free resources to help you keep moving, connecting and learning. Find out more

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1671 days ago

Need to borrow a helmet

Carol from New Lynn

Hi everyone, I know of a lovely young woman who through an accident has lost the visor for her helmet. Is there a kind person with a helmet to lend till the bike shop opens. P.s she is an essential worker and gets to work on her scooter.

1675 days ago

Poll: Should your rates be frozen because of Covid-19?

Todd Niall Reporter from Auckland Stuff

Hi Neighbours, It's a tough one for many, the prospect of rates rising 3.5 per cent, in these uncertain times. It is easy to say "Freeze!" but that's not as simple as it sounds. What do you think? Read the story here: www.stuff.co.nz...

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Should your rates be frozen because of Covid-19?
  • 7.1% Rates should rise 3.5 pc but with easy help for those in need
    7.1% Complete
  • 83.3% Rates should be frozen for all ratepayers
    83.3% Complete
  • 9.6% Rates should rise, but by less that 3.5 pc, with help for those who need it
    9.6% Complete
3030 votes
1670 days ago

Thanks so much to all NZ Gardener readers!

Jo McCarroll - NZ Gardener editor Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

I just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions … View moreI just wanted to update everyone as to what is happening with the next copy of your favourite magazine. With the current restrictions we aren’t able to print or distribute at the moment, but we are working hard on a fantastic May issue for you and it will be on sale as soon as the restrictions ease! I am hearing from so many readers right now about how their gardens have never been more important to them than they are now, so I want to ensure you get your NZ Gardener, packed with beautiful pictures, expert advice, inspiration and information as quickly as possible, so you can enjoy your own garden even more. Meanwhile, when you do your next shop, we’d love it if you could pick up a copy of the April issue which is on sale now (you can add a copy to your online shop too). As you’ve probably heard on the news it is a tough time for magazines right now, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of our regular readers and (especially!) our subscribers. If you are in a position to subscribe, or share your own love of plants and gardening by buying a subscription as a gift for someone else, then we’d be incredibly grateful: mags4gifts.co.nz.... Stay safe and enjoy the extra time in your garden everyone! Jo

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1670 days ago

At the beach.

Anna from Titirangi

A daily cartoon featuring Mr and Mrs Dear.

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1672 days ago

Happy Resurrection Sunday.

Brian from New Lynn

Spread the joy and warmth in your hearts to everyone this Easter. Hope this Easter brings promotion and success in your life. Wishing you a very happy and blessed Easter.
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