By Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers.
Where Does the Money Go? Each year, Rodney residents receive higher rates bills to help fund Auckland’s growing needs. We are told these rates support transport, parks, libraries, environmental programmes, community facilities and regional infrastructure. Yet one simple question remains unanswered: how much of Rodney’s rates revenue is actually spent back in Rodney?
As your elected Council representative, I have repeatedly asked Auckland Council for a clear breakdown comparing the rates collected from Rodney with the amount invested back into Rodney. Despite these requests, no straightforward answer has been provided. While Council publishes information on local board budgets, projects and regional programmes, the key figure ratepayers would reasonably expect to see is missing: what Rodney contributes versus what Rodney receives.
Council staff argue this is difficult because many services cross Local Board boundaries. I do not accept that explanation. Large organisations routinely allocate costs across regions and business units. Auckland Council should be able to provide a basic breakdown of rates collected and expenditure by area, e.g.: for Kumeu, Helensville, or Riverhead, etc.
Ratepayers deserve transparency. They should be able to see how much is collected locally, how much is reinvested locally and how much is allocated to regional activities.
Disappointingly, there has been little political appetite among the majority of councillors to demand this information. Yet accountability is essential, particularly as rates continue to rise.
Council must focus on delivering value and prioritising essential services. Rodney is one of Auckland’s fastest-growing areas, requiring infrastructure, roads, community facilities, environmental protection and common-sense flood protection.
Without clear information, residents are left to speculate. Transparency would replace assumptions with facts and allow an informed discussion about whether Rodney is receiving a fair return on its rates contribution. Rodney residents are not seeking special treatment. I am simply asking for accountability, transparency and an answer to a straightforward question from Council: where does Rodney’s money go?
