14 February 2011

Following discussions between Non-Aligned Councillors to the Auckland mayor (NAC), a series of recommendations will be made at today’s Auckland Council’s meeting regarding the Auckland Council Draft Annual Plan 2011/12, and budget implications for the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMBS) to 30 June 2011. With referenced to Auckland Council’s obligation to meet the legislative requirements of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009, in particular reference to Part 7 and the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB), NAC request:

• The Mayor and CEO of Auckland Council table all reports and advice received on the IMSB.

• A review of all committees of the Council be conducted and four standing committees be established (including transport) to include all Councillors and the Mayor.

• IMSB be invited to join these standing committees in accordance with the legislation, with the proviso there be no outside appointments i.e. no substitution of members.

• Auckland Council confirms the budget for the IMSB provided by the Auckland Transitional Authority of $400,000 for the eight month period until 30 June 2011 for set up costs and remuneration.

Should additional funding be required to meet statutory obligations this must be identified through an amended business plan taking into account the following:

1. Representation only on the four whole-of-council decision making committees,

2. Levels of service required by council for the remainder of the 2010/2011 financial year,

3. Targeted, prioritised work streams along with the utilisation of existing in-house staffing resources to establish itself and perform its statutory functions during this period.

A cap of total funding for IMSB is set at $850,000 with the expectation that it would be less because of the short time remaining in the financial year.

NAC wish to record their objection to the process for the 2011-12 Draft Annual Plan. The plan is fundamental to the prosperity of the region and critical to the affordability of Auckland to ratepayers, yet 275 pages detailing specific budgetary requirements together with a further approximately 500 pages of detailed budgets for each of the local boards were distributed over the weekend for debate on Monday.

Within this document council officers fail to identify detailed options allowing savings of approximately $60 million required to hold the rates increase inside 4.9% - the budget identified by a majority of council. Instead, officers seek adoption of the draft without allowing sufficient time for serious scrutiny. NAC fear this process will result in a substantial rate increase for Aucklanders.

NAC record their objection to this process which would appear to be supported by the Mayoral Office. NAC request that this matter be delayed until officers provide a comprehensive report on savings options. Furthermore, NAC request time is given to consult with local boards. NAC appreciate the mayor wishes “to move with pace”. However it believes pace here may result in the adoption of an ill-considered draft and unnecessary rates increases.

ENDS

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