FROM THE EDITOR

There’s no doubt in my mind that west Auckland needs another pool.

It seems crazy to only have one council-owned pool out west when it appears other communities in Auckland are well-endowed with aquatic centres. If we want to help kids learn how to swim access to pools needs to be easy, and affordable. I wasn’t a huge fan of former mayor Len Brown but I did like his move to bring down the costs for kids of heading to the pool. I would much rather see my rates go towards that than many of the other things council is spending our money on.

The council budget consultation closed yesterday. Let us know what you think. Are there any projects you think are fantastic? Have any of council’s plans got you wild? This budget saw council look at the level of rates increases, targeted rates on accommodation providers, and my personal favourite - targeted rates on new developments to pay for new infrastructure.

Email edwl@snl.co.nz.

- Rebecca