More than 10,000 Aucklanders have submitted feedback on Auckland Council’s Annual Budget 2023/2024, with one week still left to run on the public consultation period.
The budget outlines where Council plans to raise its revenue and what it will spend its money on, including a proposed mix of options to close a $295 million budget shortfall.
Auckland Council Group Chief Financial Officer, Peter Gudsell said he was pleased with the amount of feedback received so far but says it’s important to hear from the broadest possible range of Auckland’s diverse communities.
“It’s clear Aucklanders are already engaged with this budget and we want to ensure as many people as possible are aware of this opportunity to have their voices heard before final decisions are made by the council’s Governing Body,” said Mr Gudsell.
“A lot of the feedback received so far is from New Zealand Europeans, especially those 40 years and older, with Pasifika, Asian and Māori communities currently under-represented.
“We’ve been out and about and online at Have Your Say events, and our teams on the ground at Pasifika, Polyfest and Te Matatini say these communities are interested and engaged, but we want to see this go one step further into actual submissions.”
He said the online questionnaire was in an easy to answer multi-choice format.
“We have translated information and feedback forms available for those who may not be confident in English, so don’t let a language barrier stop you. We would also like to see our youth and elderly audiences providing further feedback, especially those aged under 25 or over 75.”
“There are some tough choices ahead and these are important decisions that will be made on behalf of Aucklanders, so it’s crucial we hear from as many as possible on the proposed mix of options to close the budget shortfall.”
Last year’s Annual Budget consultation saw a total of 11,500 pieces of feedback from Aucklanders.
“We are delighted with how many people have already become involved in the process, including people attending online events, visiting our team at a festival or market, and attending a range of meetings,” said Mr Gudsell.
“For those who haven’t yet had their say, there continues to be a range of ways to submit your feedback, whether it’s online or in person.
“All of the budget documents and feedback forms are available online, at your local library, service centre or at a Have Your Say event.”
Full Annual Budget 2023/2024 consultation information can be found at akhaveyoursay.nz/budget. Feedback must be received before consultation closes at 11pm Tuesday 28 March.
