In this tragic time of unprecedented nationwide climate change disaster most of us have been focused on the management of our own lives, cleaning up and dealing with survivor guilt.
However this really is the time to run a critical eye over the lack of maintenance in our Super City. The job of cleaning culverts and drains which need to be regularly opened up and vacuumed out is not happening, instead contractors are cutting corners and sweeping debris aside, which has resulted in a systemic failure with horrendous consequences.
Where once the work was in-house, scheduled and done properly, now the job is done as a response to public complaints, and that’s because it’s a profit driven model not a public service one. It’s time to admit the Super City is a failure, people. It’s time to crank the Ministry of Works back up to handle the maintenance jobs Auckland needs done.
As for the annual budget document, decorated with roads, trucks, cogs and pie charts, bullshit baffles brains. I’ve taken another look at the mammoth (342 page) Auckland Council Annual Budget so that you don’t have to.
But don’t think you are off the hook yet! Oh no, I’ve done the homework in order that you can now submit your letter of response to the outrageous proposals to cut back a large amount of community services. By the time this goes to print you have three weeks to get your letter in to council to counter the craziness, and to gather a small group of friends to make a verbal submission. Scary I know, but there is safety in numbers and you cannot underestimate the impact a real person speaking to councillors about what is important and of value can have.
So to that end, here is a sample submission you can use, expand and adapt to have your voice heard in the very important decision of how Tamaki Makaurau is going to dig its way out of this $295 million deficit. This is due by 28 March 2023.
To the Mayor and Auckland Councillors
I [name] of [address] wish to make a written and verbal submission on the annual plan 2023/2024.
· I do not agree with reducing any funding to the Auckland Zoo, Art Gallery, Libraries, Citizen Advice Bureau, stadiums and venues.
· I also oppose funding cuts to regional services such as community and education programs, arts and culture programs, regional events and other social service activities such as homelessness funding.
· I propose that all Auckland Transport works be brought in-house and the contracting out model be ended.
· I also object to any decrease in funding to local boards and plans to reduce clerical and legal support to elected Auckland Councillors.
· I do however strenuously support the proposal to sell all the Airport shares for $1.9 billion to deal with the $295 million budget blowout; the remaining capital to be used to offset debt and balance the books.
Equally important is to re-establish tree protection, stop spraying chemicals on our streets and start cooling our city, thus our planet, by protecting our existing trees, planting more native ngahere and making room for wetlands.
Yours sincerely…
Email this to: mayor.wayne.brown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or akhaveyoursay.nz/budget
Quite frankly I’m sick of people’s apathy. I’ve been beating this drum for years because it’s pretty clear we’re going to hell in a hand-basket. Relying on others to do the right thing, make the decisions and have our best interests at heart is really not a viable option. It’s going to take the care and commitment of all of us to change the trajectory we are on.
I urge Aucklanders to wake up, do your civic duty, get involved, send a submission and start steering this beautiful place we share in a better direction. (Lisa Prager)
www.facebook.com/lisa.prager.52
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