When the budget spreadsheet met the Ōtāhuhu Town Hall

[If you are unable to view this message correctly, click here]( [stuff header]( Hi {NAME}, It was an irony that escaped even the locals: that the Ōtāhuhu hall they gathered in to consider a grim council budget proposal, was built with proceeds from the council's airport shareholding. One of the things the 50 or so residents were being asked their views on was whether Auckland Council should sell its $1.9 billion shareholding in Auckland Airport to reduce debt. Once they’d put their adhesive dots on the council’s feedback board, it was 27 to 1 in favour of keeping the shares, and either raising rates or increasing debt. It was one of several strong messages from one of Auckland’s poorer suburbs on a budget seeking to close a forecast $295 million deficit with big cuts to community funding. Five big boards on key budget decisions circulated around tables of locals in a speed-dating format. The sticky dots rejected the proposed $125m cut to council spending, 22 to 1. A $1.2m cut for their own Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, one of the deepest of the 21 local board cuts, also got shown the door 21 to 1. The council’s standard format “Have Your Say” presentation oversold the benefits of selling the shares, and underplayed the potential affordability of a higher rates rise. Meetings like this are happening across Auckland during March as public views are sought on mayor Wayne Brown’s budget proposal. The sticky dot count will make its way back to the council’s city centre headquarters, but probably without the passion and strength of feeling expressed on the night. There was anger over cuts that would hit hard communities that had pulled together to lead local Covid-19 vaccination efforts, and to support those hammered in the recent flood emergencies. “How can you sleep at night, knowing we in the community will pay heavily?” asked one. Other parts of the city may have different views, and those in Ōtāhuhu knew they would have to work hard to be heard, with budget feedback in the southern suburbs the lowest in the city. Consultation closes on March 28, when the debate moves to the council table. [user profile pic] Todd Niall Senior Stuff Journalist [See more Auckland news]( [Privacy Info]( [Privacy Info]( [Watch this video now] When our Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says $145m road cone spend is 'unjustifiable' Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has said spending $145 million on road cones and traffic management is "unjustifiable". Brown said he wants to fine Auckland Transport (AT) contractors who deliver "excessive and unnecessary" traffic management. [Read More]( [Privacy Info]( More Auckland stories you might have missed [Article Image] First-time buyers: When our tenancy ended, we decided to buy an Auckland townhouse togther as friends [Read more button]( [Article Image] Lions, tigers and fears as troubled wildlife sanctuary faces uncertain future [Read more button]( [Article Image] Pasifika Festival in pictures, as fans show up in their best outfits [Read more button]( [Article Image] Job ads 15% higher last month compared to four years ago [Read more button]( [Support Stuff]( [Discover more Auckland news at Stuf]( You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive the Your Auckland newsletter. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get Your Auckland in your inbox]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand