Auckland Council says it has achieved nearly 50% of its projected annual savings, as it works toward its $66 million savings target.
For 2024/2025, the Council has already chalked up $31.9 million (48%) in savings.
“These savings are directly used to keep rates and debt down. In total, $66 million saved represents 2.5% of rates rises that have been avoided,” says Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee chair, Deputy Mayor, Desley Simpson.
“The savings to date this year are excellent news for our ratepayers and shows the council’s focus on delivering increased efficiency and maximising every ratepayer dollar.
“We want rates to remain affordable, particularly when the cost of living is so high for Aucklanders.”
The Council says savings in the last quarter were achieved across a range of areas, including detailed budget reviews, reductions in staffing, consultancy and general promotional activity.
For 2024/2025, the $66 million savings target builds on top of ongoing savings of $90 million per year which have already been achieved and locked into Council’s budget.
The $337 million of savings achieved over the past three years is forecast to grow to just under half a billion dollars by the end of the 2024/2025 year, said Cr Simpson.
“The results so far speak volumes for how closely the council is monitoring its costs and enhancing its revenue,” she said.
“While we’re off to a promising start this year, continuing to find savings across the business is a challenge. But we continue to focus on delivering value for money, because it’s vital work to keep rates as affordable for Aucklanders as possible.”
For 2025/2026 the council aims to save an additional $19 million per year, and in 2026/2027 a further $20 million per year.
