Have your say

FRANkLiN LOcAL BOARd

summary 2013/2014

MESSAGE FROM MAYOR LEN BROWN

Maintaining momentum Last year, thousands of Aucklanders helped create the Auckland Plan - the roadmap to the worlds most liveable city. The Long-term Plan followed -10 years of projects and budgets to deliver on that vision. This is year two of the 10 year plan. We have scrutinised our projects and budgets to ensure we are delivering value to Aucklanders. Without losing focus on boosting our economy, improving transport and building strong communities, proposed average rates increases are down from 4.8 to no more than 2.9 per cent. This is the third year in a row we will have cut the forecasted increase. Our focus is now on delivering an Auckland we can all be proud of, while making sure we get value for the dollars we spend. Despite the challenges of amalgamation, we have reduced our costs significantly and with little impact on services. Over the next year we will:  invest more than $175 million in local libraries, parks, recreational, arts and cultural facilities  designate and secure the route for our most transformational project, the City Rail Link, and progress other major transport projects such as AMETI and the Albany Highway  boost employment and business opportunities through investment projects, including attracting both domestic and international visitors. Now I look forward to hearing your views.

Len Brown Mayor of Auckland

iNtROductiON
This summary of Auckland Councils draft annual plan for 2013/2014 outlines what we plan to do in the next 12 months as we move ahead with creating a better Auckland for you to live, work and play in.
For Auckland to be successful and become the worlds most liveable city, we need to continue to move forward. In this draft annual plan we continue to provide communities across Auckland with high levels of service as well as major investment in community amenities and infrastructure such as upgraded footpaths, new and resealed roads, libraries, swimming pools, open spaces, playgrounds and programmes to boost our economy. The council also continues to be prudent with its finances and is constantly looking at ways we can do things better and more efficiently. Since 1 November 2010, Auckland Council has found savings of $131 million per annum and more are planned. We also use debt responsibly, to invest in capital projects the fairest way to pay for our future. In this draft annual plan we are proposing minor service reductions and changes to fees so we can keep rates as low as possible as well as investment in some events and initiatives for all to enjoy. Tell us what you think about what we are proposing. Your submissions will be considered by councillors and local board members as part of the decision-making process, which includes public hearings in March and April. Go to page seven or www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ annualplan for details on how to have your say. Submissions open 24 January and must be received by 4pm, Monday, 25 February 2013.

how your rates are spent

The chart below shows how each $100 dollars of general rates funding is spent.
Other, $3 Built and natural environment, $8 Community, $11 Transport, $35 Economic development, $7 Governance, $4 Lifestyle and culture*, $25

Stormwater and flood protection, $7 *includes events, parks, recreation and art services

assets and borrowings

We use debt to fund capital projects. But our borrowings are low compared to the value of our assets.
40,000 35,000 30,000 $million 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2012/2013 2013/2014 Borrowings 5,743 Borrowings 6,700 Total Assets 37,525 Total Assets 39,145

MORE iNFORMAtiON
The full draft Annual Plan 2013/2014 including all draft local board agreements are available online at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annualplan, from council service centres, libraries and local board offices. An overview of key topics in Te Reo Mori, Samoan, Korean, Tongan and simplified Chinese are available online and on request. Phone us on 09 301 0101 or email annual.plan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to request a copy. You can contact your Franklin ward councillor (pictured) and Franklin Local Board members to discuss your views. Local boards are also planning events for people to find out more about the plan and ask questions. Keep an eye on your local paper and our website for details. the draft annual plan summary 2013/2014 Cr Des Morrison P: 021 2811222 E: des.morrison@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/franklin for individual board members contact details. Call the local board office on 09 237 1300.

AuckLANd REGiON
managing rates by reducing some services
We are proposing to:  stop mowing the berms in the former Auckland City Council areas. This will save $3 million a year. Extending this service across the region would cost $12 to $15 million a year.  cut the free digital music download service (Freegal) offered by libraries. This will save ratepayers $205,000 annually. Do you agree or disagree with proposed service reductions? See Q1.

YOuR RAtES iN 2013/2014

The changes outlined in this document have resulted in us proposing an average rate increase of 2.9 per cent, considerably lower than the 4.8 per cent projected in the LTP. Your rates may increase by more or less than this as a result of the move to a single rating system. The councils rates transition management policy effectively spreads this impact over three years. For 2013/2014 we are making minor adjustments to the single rating system as we move into the second year of the three-year transition period. Residential and farm/lifestyle rates increases will be capped at 10 per cent and decreases at 2.5 per cent. Business rates changes will continue to be spread out over three years, with one third of the change applying each year. For details of the impacts in different parts of Auckland, go to our website.

managing rates by standardising fees and charges

Another way we propose to reduce rates is to increase the cost recovered from service users. We are proposing changes to the following fees which will amend the LTP 2012-2022.  Food premise licensing fees. We currently have 153 legacy fees across Auckland and propose standardising these and increasing costs recovered from fees from 63 per cent to 90 per cent over five years. This reduces the costs to ratepayers by $330,000 in 2013/2014.  Dog registration fees. Increasing the proportion of costs recovered through fees, from 51 per cent to 60 per cent over two years. See some of the proposed charges below. This reduces costs to ratepayers by $800,000 in 2013/2014. (See table below).  Hairdresser license fees. Standardising fees to a single annual fee of $207.  Mooring fees. Increasing costs recovered through fees to 100 per cent, resulting in region wide fees at $215.50 for swing moorings and $790.50 for pile moorings. Fee description Responsible dog owner licence (RDOL) with de-sexed dog De-sexed dog (no RDOL) Standard fee Supergold Community Services Combo card holders Working farm dog Current fee (incl. GST) $49 $77 $107 $49 $24

What do you think? See Q2.

 Swimming pool fence inspections. Introducing a first inspection fee of $75 and lowering the subsequent inspection fee from $250 to $125 will reduce costs to ratepayers by $160,000.  Increasing gate charges at Waitkere Transfer Station from $87.80 to $95 a tonne will reduce costs to ratepayers by $36,000 a year.  Increasing regional park bach fees by 10 per cent during peak periods and five per cent in off peak times and increasing vehicle-based camping fees by $1 per night for adults will reduce costs to ratepayers by $60,000 a year. Proposed 2014/2015 fee (incl. GST) $60 $96 $134 $60 $30 3 Go online or to part III of Volume 3 of main document for details on these fee proposals. Do you agree with the proposed changes to standardise fees and reduce rates? See Q3.

Proposed 2013/2014 fee (incl. GST) $55 $87 $121 $55 $27

the draft annual plan summary 2013/2014

WhAt ELSE ARE WE dOiNG?

Investing in parks and open space
Auckland Council manages 26 regional parks, more than 4000 local parks, reserves, beaches and coastal areas and 224 sports fields. We are proposing:  to provide additional funding of $388,000 to maintain and restore Aucklands volcanic cones  to boost the parks volunteer programme by $154,000  to fund $56,000 towards establishing a new caf at the popular Arataki Visitors Centre with revenue offsetting part of the cost.

Extending rates remission and postponement policies

We propose:  amending the Mori Freehold Rates Remission and Postponement Policy to remit rates attributable to the value of the land for Mori freehold land properties for community use. This is an annual cost around $50,000  extending the policy to include Mori land held in multiple ownership. Many activities council wants to support, such as papakainga housing development and heritage site preservation, is occurring in properties with no Mori freehold land title. The cost is an estimated $100,000 a year  extending the qualifying criteria in the Rates Remission and Postponement Policy for residents of licence to occupy retirement villages scheme, to papakainga housing. Do you support these proposals? See Q7.

What do you think? See Q4.

More support for community and events

Community groups and events play a big part in creating the worlds most liveable city. In 2013/2014, we propose to:  accelerate cenotaph, war grave and public war memorial refurbishments and support events as part of WWI centenary commemorations, with funding of $212,000  provide $307,000 to fill the funding gap identified where groups and events span more than one local board area but are not considered region-wide events.

Regional Facilities Auckland grant towards the development of the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre
This proposal is an amendment to the councils Long-term Plan 2012-2022. The Counties Manukau Pacific Trust wants to build a white water rafting and kayak course and cultural and education facilities at its Manukau-based centre and is seeking financial support from the council. We propose that the net proceeds from the sale of an adjacent piece of land owned by Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) (estimated at $20-30 million) be RFAs contribution to the $59 million project. Each year the development is forecasted to generate an additional $2 million of visitor spend for the Auckland region and cater for 45,000 children participating in its programmes. There are some financial risks associated with this project. Full details of the proposal and other options are in Part IV of Volume 3 of the draft annual plan.

Do you agree or disagree? See Q5.

Better planning and economic development

To ensure robust planning and drive our economic growth, we are proposing:  to invest an additional $753,000 in ensuring we have early and strong engagement with Aucklanders for the Unitary Plan the single plan that will guide Aucklands future growth.  that $102,000 be added to the overseas trade missions budget, a successful programme creating new opportunities for Auckland-based businesses.

Do you agree or disagree? See Q6.

What do you think? See Q8.

thE dRAFt ANNuAL PLAN SuMMARY 2013/2014

FRANkLiN LOcAL BOARd

MESSAGE FROM YOuR LOcAL BOARd chAiRPERSON

The Franklin Local Board has focussed intently on ensuring our communities needs have been recognised. We believe rates increases if needed must be kept to an absolute minimum, whilst retaining levels of service and funding to support and create local initiatives so community expectations can still be met where possible.

about the local board

Franklin is predominantly a rural area, supported by towns, villages and hamlets. The area spans the eastern coast of the Hauraki Gulf to the western coast of the Manukau Harbour. It includes a number of inland and coastal settlements as well as the townships of Pukekohe and Waiuku. Franklin is proud of its country feel and known for its horticulture, motor sports and horse breeding.

Our priorities of better public transport, safer rural roads and enhanced local economic development remain unchanged. Our burgeoning tourism industry around our east and west coasts, alongside our position as a vital food producer, the continued growth and popularity of Pukekohe as a town centre and those things which makes Franklin such an important part of Auckland now and in the future are foremost in our thinking. Our aspiration cannot become reality without effective communication and strong relationships with our community, so I again urge people to look carefully at this years annual plan, ask questions and make submissions.

what do local boards do?

Local boards are a key part of Aucklands governance, enabling local representation and decision-making on behalf of local communities. There are 21 local boards in the Auckland region. Every year, each local board agrees with the governing body the funding for local activities and the local service levels for the coming year. The draft local board agreements for 2013/2014 are included in the draft Annual Plan 2013/2014. This summary includes information on the draft agreement and any proposed local changes from the Long-term Plan 2012-2022. thE dRAFt ANNuAL PLAN SuMMARY 2013/2014

Andrew Baker Chairperson, Franklin Local Board 5

FRANkLiN LOcAL BOARd

LOcAL BOARd PRiORitiES FOR 2013/2014

aThe Franklin Local Boards budget for 2013/2014 includes these local board priorities:  development of Bledisloe Park, Pukekohe  Waiuku Sports Park development  addressing coastal erosion on both coasts  upgrading existing parks and reserves  Pukekohe Town Centre continued upgrade  contributing to the Manukau Harbour Forum  promotion of local businesses in Wairoa.

Local board advocacy

The local board has a key role to advocate on your behalf on areas of local interest that are outside of local board decision-making. These are the areas that we propose to advocate for in 2013/2014, in addition to existing advocacy issues.  improved public transport  ensuring that growth is well planned, and supported by the appropriate infrastructure. For more information on how to contact your local board, visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/franklin Do you agree or disagree with the proposals? See Q9.

what might change?

The Franklin Local Board has also reviewed its budget for 2013/2014 and does not propose to make any significant changes. We will focus on delivering existing levels of service and working towards achieving the priorities in our local board plan. We do propose to make the following minor changes:  amalgamate our discretionary economic development budget ($142,000) with our Local Board Discretionary Fund (part of the local governance budget) to provide greater flexibility on how this operational funding is utilised  increase the Waiuku BID funding by $10,000 (10 per cent increase) this is a targeted rate payable by businesses in Waiuku.

hOW tO FiNd Out MORE

 the Franklin Local Board is holding a meeting in each of our three subdivisions to discuss the local board priorities for 2013/2014.

For more information on the priorities for 2013/2014 and what might change, visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ franklin

thE dRAFt ANNuAL PLAN SuMMARY 2013/2014

hAvE YOuR SAY dRAFt ANNuAL PLAN 2013/2014

Have your say
We want your views on the draft Annual Plan 2013/2014. Simply fill in this form and send it to us or make an online submission at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annualplan.

4. Parks and open spaces: Do you agree or disagree with these proposals for additional funding?

Your contact details

For your submission to be valid, you must include your full name, a postal and/or email address. Please make sure your contact information is clearly legible. You are making a submission on behalf of (please tick the most appropriate option): Yourself A community group Other organisation A business

5. Community and events: Do you agree or disagree with these proposals for additional funding?

6. Planning and economic development: Do you agree or disagree with additional budget for the overseas trade mission programme and to develop the Unitary Plan?

Do you wish to speak in support of your submission at a Yes No public hearing? Your details Local Board area: First name: Last name: Your organisation/company: Postal address: Suburb: Phone: Email: Signature: Date of submission: You can attach additional pages to your submission but they MUST be on A4 paper only. 1. Service reductions: Do you agree or disagree with the proposals to reduce some of our services? Do you agree or disagree with the local boards proposed changes? Do you agree or disagree with the local board priorities for 2013/2014 included in your local boards budget? 9. Local communities: Which local board does your submission relate to? Postcode: Mobile: 8. TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre: Do you agree or disagree with the proposal to contribute to its development from the sale of surplus land (estimated at $20-30 million)? 7. Proposed rates remission and postponement policy: Do you agree or disagree with the proposed policy changes?

2. Rates: The proposed changes have reduced the projected average rates increase from 4.8 to 2.9 per cent. Do you agree or disagree with this level of change?

10. Do you have any other comments on the draft Annual Plan 2013/2014? 3. Fees: Do you agree or disagree with proposed changes to fees?

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Continued over page the draft annual plan summary 2013/2014 7

Checklist for submitters

1. Have you included your full name and postal and/or email address? 2. Have you told us what type of submitter you are? 3. Have you told us if you want to speak at the hearing? 4. Have you attached additional pages or supporting documents (A4 only)? 5. If you wish to speak at a hearing, have you provided at least one phone number so you can be contacted to arrange a time to speak?

Read this summary or the full draft document before making your submission. Copies of the draft document are available at:
 public libraries, council service centres and local board offices  online at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annualplan  or phone us on 09 301 0101.

At a later date the council will hold hearings to consider all submissions. Please note all submissions (including personal details of submitters - names, address and phone numbers) will be public documents. If you have any queries on the draft Annual Plan 2013/2014 or the submission process, please call 09 301 0101 or email annual.plan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Submissions open Thursday, 24 January 2013 and must be received by 4pm, Monday, 25 February 2013.
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summary 2013/2014
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Freepost Authority Number 239296

Draft Annual Plan 2013/2014 Attention: Brina Burden Auckland Council Freepost Authority 239296 Private Bag 92300 Auckland 1142
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