Auckland City 9.7% rates rise approved

Action Hobson councillor Christine Caughey was absent, sick, mayor Dick Hubbard voted with the City Vision & Labour majority and the outcome was a 10-8 vote on most points.

The majority accepted some changes from Citizens & Ratepayers Now councillor Douglas Armstrong on the wording of resolutions to deal with the $73 million Civic underground carpark roof repairs & Aotea Square upgrade, of which $6.4 million will be allocated in the June 2006 financial year.

Targeted rates were pushed through and the majority led by deputy mayor Bruce Hucker got the 10-8 margin needed to allocate $1 million to pursuing partnerships or joint ventures for affordable housing – the most contentious issue because in the previous council term the council sold its housing to the Government as it cleared the decks of debt.

Read More - Opens in a new window