Happy 2020 to you and your family. I hope the new year begins well for you. The new decade corresponds with 10 years since the formation of the Super City. The first 10 years have certainly given the public, elected members and staff a chance to better understand the shared governance model between the mayor, councillors, local boards and council-controlled organisations (CCOs).
These have been tweaked year on year and relationships strengthened term by term. However, after 10 years, we are finally looking at our CCOs. They deliver 75 per cent of our business and spend 55 per cent of our operational budget, yet the most common ‘complaint’ I hear from you relates to at least one of them — Auckland Transport (AT), Regional Facilities Auckland, Panuku Development, Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), and Watercare.
One of the last things we resolved at the end of 2019 was to approve an independent review of our CCOs which will cover three key areas: effectiveness of the CCO model, accountability mechanisms between them, and the ‘us and them’ culture that can sometimes exist. I’ll give you updates as this very important workstream develops.
Talking of milestones, the Auckland War Memorial Museum recently celebrated its 90th birthday. Standing majestically on the hill known by Māori as Pukekawa in the Auckland Domain, it was built by subscriptions raised by Aucklanders in remembrance of their war dead, and completed in 1929. It was an honour to share the celebrations with many Aucklanders including Ōrākei and Waitematā local board members, and people like Hilary Reid from Remuera, who was a child when the museum opened.
I hope you continue to enjoy our summer and the glorious weather, taking the opportunity to head outdoors to one of the many free events offered in our community and across the region.
Of specific note was the series of Nacra World Sailing Championships held in early December at our wonderful Royal Akarana Yacht Club. It was an immense pleasure to witness our very own America’s Cup stars, Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, racing out on the harbour, proving why they are world champions!
For other summer events please go to: aucklandnz.com/visit/ events/annual-events.
Locally, Auckland Transport will start construction works later in January on the Tamaki Dr Cycleway. The plan is to create an improved walking and cycling route along Tamaki Dr and connect with cycle routes to Glen Innes, Parnell and the central city. As a result of feedback received during consultation, AT decided to change the design to consider our community’s views on what was proposed. The new design addresses many of the safety, convenience, and usability issues that were raised during consultation. I am glad that the voices of our residents were heard and acknowledged – the way it always should be.
On a personal note, these holidays have been extra special for me and my family with the new arrival of a baby grandson. As we look forward to the years ahead – kindergarten, school and beyond — I am reminded of the importance of safety and council’s role in helping to provide this to our families and children. Safe School Travel Plans are action plans for road safety and active transport, delivered in partnership with school communities, AT, council, NZ Police, NZTA and other organisations. If your school doesn’t have a safe school travel plan, please feel free to get in touch with me.
Finally, I’m always available to answer any queries you may have. Please contact me on desley.simpson@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or check out my website desley.co.nz for more council information.