Mayor Wayne Brown. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A 'bed tax' to fund tourism and changes to targeted rates for refuse collection in some areas are among the decisions Auckland Council is seeking feedback on for its draft Annual Plan for 2025/2026.
Auckland Council is encouraging residents to submit their feedback before consultation closes at 11.59pm on Friday, 28 March.
Chief financial officer Ross Tucker said there were no significant changes to services or investment levels proposed, compared to what was in the Long-Term Plan, however they would still like to check in with Aucklanders to ensure plans were on track.
Tucker said the plan was prioritising investment in transport and water, and fairer funding for local communities.
Meanwhile, the council was seeking feedback on major events and the marketing of Auckland as a destination for visitors.
It proposed in the draft plan to raise a bed night visitor levy - imposed on accommodation providers, including Airbnbs - to fund the shortfall of funding in tourism.
"A bed night visitor levy could help raise $27 million. That would meet the shortfall and fund even more destination management, marketing and major events activities in Auckland," Tucker said.
There were also proposed changes to targeted rates relating to the rollout of refuse collection in the North Shore, Waitākere and Papakura, and targeted rates for refuse in Franklin and Rodney.
A rubbish truck collects food waste in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
A rubbish truck collects food waste in Auckland.
Changes for fees relating to dog adoption, cemeteries and cremation, and bach fees have also been proposed.
Mayor Wayne Brown said this was the best time for Aucklanders to have their say.
"We want to know what the community thinks of where council is spending their money. This includes whether they're keen on a bed night levy to fund major international events, like SailGP, bringing the America's Cup back to Auckland, concerts like Coldplay and sports events like NRL matches and the ASB tennis classic.
"These events are important to many, and I do support these events taking place.
"We need to hear from the most important people, and that's Aucklanders. This is the best time to give us your feedback as it will inform the council's decisions and tell us if we've got it right."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
