On 28 March, Property Council submitted to Auckland Council on their Long-Term Plan 2024-2034.
Why this matters to our members
Property Council advocates for the creation and retention of a well-designed, functional and sustainable built environment. It is important that the voice of the property sector is heard when it comes to Auckland’s future budget and direction for the next ten years, as Auckland Council decides how much rates to collect and where to invest in the years to come.
Our view
Property Council broadly supported most of the direction set out in Auckland Council’s ‘Central Proposal’, with the exception of considering further co-investment in public transport alongside central government. However, we were extremely concerned about the proposed discontinuation of the Long-Term Differential Strategy (“LTDS”) and recommended either recommitting to the LTDS or introducing a pause until financial conditions improve.
At a high level, we recommend that Auckland Council:
• Adopts the ‘Central Proposal’, with the exception of considering further co-investment in public transport alongside central government;
• In the first instance, recommit to implementing the LTDS as previously planned, or in the second instance, a temporary pause of the LTDS until the financial situation improves;
• Investigates the use of alternative funding and financing tools for infrastructure;
• Does not increase the differential on targeted rates;
• Explores alternative funding and financing for water infrastructure; and
• Allocate appropriate funding to improve resourcing and processes within the consenting team, to meet expected increases in consenting volumes.