Public Consultation from February 28 to March 28, 2022
Phil Goff
Auckland, February 5, 2022
I hope that you had a pleasant and relaxing Christmas and New Year and were able to spend time with family and friends enjoying the fantastic weather that we have seen recently.
Auckland really comes into its own over Summer, and it is a great time to explore the hundreds of beautiful beaches, parks and public open spaces we are lucky to have throughout our region.
While the spread of Omicron continues to pose risks, Auckland is no longer in lockdown, so I encourage everyone to also get out and support local businesses, cafes and restaurants. Just remember to do so safely by wearing a facial mask when required and continuing to follow health guidelines.
If you are due for your third dose of the Vaccine, please get it done as soon as possible. This is the best way to protect yourself from the severe effects of the omicron variant, which is spreading in the community.
The challenge of Climate Change
Later this month, the consultation process will open on Auckland Council’s Annual Budget 2022-2023. A key focus of this budget will be taking urgent action on climate change, which is the biggest challenge we currently face.
We are already seeing the impact of climate change, with more extreme weather events including serious droughts in Auckland. Last year was the hottest year in New Zealand since records began 110 years ago, and seven of the past nine years have been among the warmest on record. For the third consecutive year, ocean temperatures worldwide have hit the highest levels ever recorded.
Last year, the United Nations issued a stark warning to the world that we need to act now to avoid a climate catastrophe. It was described as a ‘code red’ for humanity.
To tackle this challenge, I have proposed a billion-dollar Climate Action Package as part of Auckland Council’s Annual Budget 2022-2023.
It will help cut Auckland’s emissions by increasing access to fast, frequent and low-emissions bus services, accelerating the decarbonisation of our ferry fleet, delivering more walkways and cycleways, and increasing tree canopy coverage. These lay the foundation for reducing carbon emissions but also have co-benefits such as reducing congestion.
Targeted Rate and Fares
The Climate Action Package will be funded by a Climate Action Targeted Rate (CATR) of around $1.10 per week for ratepayers with a median-value house worth $1.18 million and supported by subsidies from the government and fares from increased public transport patronage.
It is a small weekly amount but a big and important investment in the lives of our children and grandchildren.
The CATR responds to Auckland Council’s Climate Emergency declaration and repeated feedback to the Council that Aucklanders want us to do more to tackle climate change.
While we have already made a start to tackle global warming, it is clear that we need to accelerate our emissions reductions efforts.
The Climate Action Targeted Rate will enable us to do so.
The benefits will be felt across the city: reduced emissions, more tree canopy for communities currently missing out, safer streets to walk and cycle on and more than one million people living within 500m of a frequent bus route. It will lay the groundwork for future transformational change that will be required not only from Council but also from government, business and the community.
Consultation on the Annual Budget and the Climate Action Targeted Rate runs from February 28, 2022, to March 28, 2022.
Please visit www.akhaveyoursay.nz to find out more and tell us what you think.
Phil Goff is Mayor of Auckland. He writes a regular Column in Indian Newslink.
