The big issues for Auckland's leaders
Photo:
Stuff/Chris McKeen
Auckland's rapid population growth is considered one of the key challenges for incoming council elected members, a report has revealed.
The city's population is expected to jump to 2.3 million people over the next three decades, leaving questions on how Auckland Council will pay for the increased demand on services.
Auckland Council's pre-election report, prepared to support the upcoming local elections, lists how leaders can best use resources for the region's future.
Key issues identified were productivity and growth, infrastructure investment, asset management, climate resilience, community services and funding.
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Council chief executive Phil Wilson, in a statement, said the report will give Aucklanders and its future leaders greater awareness of the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
"By 2034 we are projected to see an additional 200,000 Aucklanders joining our diverse community," Wilson said.
"That is slightly more than Hamilton being added, in only nine years. This rapid growth brings increased demand for services and infrastructure, such as transport, water services, parks and community facilities."
Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson.
Photo:
Supplied to RNZ
Auckland was a vibrant and rapidly growing city, and council's elected members face some tough decisions over the next three years on how to pay for that growth on a tight budget, he said.
"To accommodate this growth, we must confront the challenges our region faces, while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
"These include addressing Auckland's relatively low productivity and lifting the region's economic growth to support development."
Wilson said council exists to be an effective agent for the needs and aspirations of Aucklanders, and good governance should be prioritised.
"To ensure this, it's vital that people standing for roles as mayor, councillors or local board members are well-informed as to the state of the city, key challenges and the council's financial situation."
Current council strategies respond to growth by integrating land use and infrastructure planning, improving transport networks and advocating with central government for greater input into policy.
However, Wilson said more will be required as the council continues to plan for a projected growth of 540,000 people over the next three decades - bringing Auckland's population to 2.3 million.
"To increase productivity and influence positive growth, Auckland must address long-standing barriers, including congestion, infrastructure bottlenecks and regulation.
"We also want to maintain the council's sustainable financial direction where we affordably deliver the infrastructure and services Aucklanders expect, to help them live their lives better."
The council estimates the need to invest $295 billion on maintaining, operating, enhancing and growing Auckland's infrastructure over a 30-year timeframe.
"Unlocking the potential created by infrastructure investment is an opportunity to be considered by our elected members, including working with central government agencies and other partners to identify and maximise the opportunities.
"Infrastructure investment makes up 86% of the council's total budget to 2034, so it's a significant part of decision-making for elected members."
Wilson said council must also respond to greater demand on its community services and an increasingly diverse community, with equally diverse needs.
The current services require further investment to ensure they remain relevant, accessible and effective in addressing the changing needs of Auckland's communities, he said.
The Pre-Election Report is a legislative requirement under the Local Government Act 2002, where council chief executives must prepare a report independently of the mayor and councillors.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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