Media release
20 March 2012

Auckland Council’s finances in good shape

Aucklanders can have confidence in the strong financial position of their council and that efficiencies are being delivered throughout the organisation.

Strategy and Finance Committee Chair Penny Webster says Auckland Council achieved a rate increase of 3.9 per cent in its first year and is proposing an average 3.6 per cent increase in the coming financial year, down from the 9 per cent increases the council faced after amalgamation.

“This has been achieved by driving more than $80 million in efficiencies in the organisation last year, and a further $40 million efficiencies this year, in order to keep the rates’ transition affordable for Auckland families.

“Auckland’s population is set to grow to two million people in 20 years time,” says Councillor Webster. “The council has undertaken a prudent borrowing programme to pay for the roads, public transport, parks and libraries that Auckland will need in the future.

“Standard and Poors recently confirmed our AA credit rating meaning we are only one notch below central government. I am confident we are managing our debt to cater for Auckland’s development.

“As we go through the debate on local government reform, it’s important to keep the facts in mind. Auckland Council is in a strong financial position and is already focused on keeping costs affordable for ratepayers,” says Cr Webster.

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