In the 2024/2025 financial year we plan to invest $885,000 to renew and develop assets (resources we own) and $6.5 million to maintain and operate assets and deliver local activities.

In this long-term plan, local boards have more responsibility for decisions about local assets and services than in previous years.

This includes making decisions about which assets (such as parks and community halls) and services (such as libraries) we should prioritise with funds allocated by the Governing Body.

Some funding decisions are not the responsibility of a local board and in such cases the board can:

• ask the Governing Body to consider funding from its long-term plan budget
• ask a council-controlled organisation (such as Auckland Transport) to deliver the service during the 10 years of the long-term plan.

Waiheke Local Board priorities for 2024-2034

The Waiheke Local Board proposed priorities for its area for the next 10 years. These priorities depend on funding from the Governing Body.

They are to:

• continue supporting local organisations to develop a community swimming pool and consider consulting on a local targeted rate to fund it
• future provision of equestrian (horse-related) facilities.

Priorities for Waiheke outside of local board decisions

Priorities that require funding outside of a local board need a decision from the Governing Body or a council-controlled organisation.

These priorities are to:

• address transport, housing, environmental and economic community needs
• ask for more local board decision-making of council-owned and operated assets to increase and improve facilities for the community
• implement effective flood control with nature-based solutions, proactive stormwater maintenance and necessary capital investment
• work with relevant authorities, partners and mana whenua to support marine protection strategies and eliminate the toxic Caulerpa seaweed from the Hauraki Gulf
• continue the Auckland Transport local board capital fund, and funding for the Waiheke 10-year Transport Plan
• address climate change, stormwater management, walking and cycling infrastructure and protect cultural sites of significance as part of the Auckland Transport Mātiatia Landside Improvements project
• receive funding for fairer public transport ferry fares for our residents and our Auckland-based workforce
• provide affordable, suitable, reliable and future-proofed ferry services and wharf infrastructure
• receive funding support for required changes to the Hauraki Gulf Island District Plan for 'dark sky' status (granted to areas with little or no light pollution), helipad consents and housing initiatives.

What we propose for Waiheke