Introducing congestion charges is among proposals being debated by Auckland Council. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Auckland Council is meeting today to go over the first proposal for its 10-year budget, which sets its political direction under mayor Wayne Brown.
The council's budget committee will discuss the Mayoral Proposal for the Long Term Plan, which features a slew of rates rises and some controversial changes for the city.
Returning some of the land around the Port of Auckland, introducing congestion charges, and putting rates up 19 percent over the next three years are just a few of the ideas put forward.
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. Photo: RNZ/Angus Dreaver
In his proposal, Brown said council needed to affordably deliver the basics, and do more with what it already had.
Exactly what to cut and what to keep will be on the table today.
In the city centre, transport is top of mind for commuters. One of them, Mark, does not support congestion charges for some main roads into the city centre.
"I've heard about that, and [I'm] not too much of a fan," he said.
"I think it's sort of punishing the people wanting to get to work."
A $50 weekly transport pass has been proposed, alongside cutting funding for some cycleways.
Mark said the public transport network needed investment.
"I think the public transport needs a massive overhaul," he said.
"The big issue with that is a lot of people are using their cars at the moment because public transport is either unreliable, it obviously doesn't turn up on time, or it comes late.
"If they can put this money towards actually improving it in better ways, then sure."
Rates rises of upto 19 percent are on the table for the next three years, to meet costs relating to the storms and City Rail Link cost blow-outs and the $220 million running costs when it opens in 2026.
Another commuter, Wendy, said that was "bad news".
"They have to justify it first."
She said the congestion charges were likely to be part of city life.
"I suppose if you have to be on the road at peak times, you've got to pay."
Council said it would have a funding gap of $470m within three years - plugging it with rates would lead to rises of 35 percent over that time.
The mayor suggested plugging the gap with a wealth fund that held Auckland Airport shares for selling down and the proceeds from leasing the port.
Aucklander Gill Macklin said hefty rates increases would not please anyone, and supported selling off assets to balance the books.
"I think [Wayne] Brown has to try and balance his budget [...] perhaps he should sell Auckland Airport."
Auckland Council's 10-year budget will go out for public consultation before being finalised and adopted in 2024.
