‘Climate budget’ passes
Mayor’s impassioned plea on behalf of future generations
Auckland Council has passed its annual budget, locking in average rates rises of 5.6%, and introducing within that, a targeted rate to help tackle climate change.
The governing body voted 14-7 in favour of the budget, but some criticised the level of rates rises on top of cost-of-living pressures, with others questioning how quickly the climate rate will cut emissions.
While the council faced a worsening financial picture, this year’s budget has been saved by an imminent down payment of $127 million from the Government as part of its Three Waters reforms.
The budget is the final one proposed by two-term mayor Phil Goff, who retires at the October elections.
Goff had proposed the Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR) to raise $57m a year to accelerate the purchase of electric buses and ferries, expand public transport and active modes and increase plantings.
In a strongly worded address just ahead of the vote, Goff challenged councillors considering voting against CATR to ask themselves whether action was needed, and whether there was public support for action – the answer to both of which, he said, was a ‘‘Yes’’.
Goff said if he was asked by his grandchildren in 10 years’ time, what he had done against global warming, he wanted to have the right answer.
‘‘I was part of a council that did what was required when the evidence was put in front of it, that action was required,’’ he said.
Its context followed the council’s 2019 commitment to halve carbon emissions from 2016 levels by 2030, meaning a 64% cut in transport emissions.
The more than five-hour debate at the Finance and Performance committee on Tuesday followed an estimated 55 hours of behind-closed-doors discussion in 24 sessions, trying to shape the budget and explore alternatives.
Some of the seven councillors who voted against the total budget indicated their support for the CATR component.
Goff said during the 55 hours of workshops and confidential discussion, no councillors had put forward alternatives to the mix of the rates rise.
Supporters included Manukau councillor Efeso Collins, who is running for the mayoralty.
‘‘The idea of leadership is how we create the conditions for a future that Aucklanders will be proud of,’’ he said.
The chairman of the Environment and Climate Change committee, Richard Hills, said Aucklanders were tired of hearing talk from politicians.
‘‘We keep telling people we are doing things, and often are not following through,’’ he said.
‘‘This budget is not enough, but it is a big step forward.’’
Among those who voted against the whole budget, while noting support for some aspects, were Albany ward councillors John Watson and Wayne Walker.
Watson said the council had passed a series of budgets with what he considered were high rates, and ‘‘there are different ways of dealing with the challenges’’.
Walker wanted more flexibility in how the CATR money was spent, although council officers pointed out that flexibility did exist.
Looking to future years, officials said delays and cuts to $250m of capital spending over the following three years, may be needed, and annual cuts of up to $150m a year in operating costs may also be needed.
The council said the projected fiscal hit over coming years had doubled in the past few months, due to rising material and borrowing costs, higher inflation and ongoing revenue weakness.