Supporting fairer funding

From City Scene, published on 3 March, 2008

Auckland City Council is backing a bid for fairer funding of 10 regional organisations including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Stardome Observatory and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

The council currently pays 85 per cent of all funding from councils to these amenities and wants to move to a funding split that all Aucklanders could support into the future.

The Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Bill is based on legislation that provides regional funding for the Auckland Museum and the Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat). Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle says the private bill will ensure funding of the 10 regional amenities does not exceed 2 per cent of the rates take. "This amount will ensure these organisations can keep delivering the services that make our region a safe and attractive place to live and visit," says Mr Moyle.

Last year, Auckland City Council gave $3.1 million to these organisations, compared with $714,000 from the other seven Auckland councils combined. A select committee heard submissions on the bill on 21 February and will report to parliament shortly.

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