Viewpoint – A missing Asset Management Policy

Imagine pouring your hard-earned money into a jar for future expenses, only to have someone else decide how and when it’s spent, with no clear plan or guarantee that it goes towards the things you need most. This, unfortunately, is the situation Auckland faces with its infrastructure.

While the city outlines ambitious goals in its Long-Term Plan (LTP), a crucial element is missing: a transparent and objective Asset Management Policy that dictates how our rates are used to maintain, depreciate, and improve critical infrastructure like roads and community facilities.

The lack of a transparent policy seems to have had real-world consequences. We’ve seen instances where roading budgets in Rodney, and likely other regions, have been reallocated or pushed into the future. This not only creates uncertainty for crucial infrastructure projects, but also leaves our communities with deteriorating roads, impacting safety, travel times, and overall quality of life.

This missing piece raises significant concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the LTP, especially for communities like Rodney, which have historically faced underinvestment in critical infrastructure, especially our roads. Relying solely on an Asset Management Plan without a clear and independent policy creates a system susceptible to political influence and potential bias.

Many in Rodney, myself included, are reluctantly willing to consider rate increases to support Auckland’s future. However, this willingness hinges on a crucial condition: transparency and fairness in how these funds are used.

Why a separate Asset Management Policy is essential:

Transparency and accountability: A stand-alone policy fosters transparency by clearly outlining the framework for budget allocation. This allows residents, especially those in Rodney, to easily understand how their rates are being used and how their community’s infrastructure needs are prioritised. This transparency is crucial for building trust and ensuring the council is held accountable for its resource allocation decisions, including those impacting roading projects.

Fairness and objectivity: A dedicated policy can establish objective criteria for prioritising asset needs such as criticality, risk assessment, community impact and long-term sustainability. This ensures that decisions are not solely based on political influence, which can disadvantage outlying regions like Rodney, whose roading needs might be overlooked.

Therefore, as part of my feedback on the LTP, I will be asking Auckland Council to develop and implement a separate Asset Management Policy. This policy should be transparent, objective and adaptable, ensuring fair and sustainable resource allocation for all Auckland communities, including Rodney.

Additionally, I will ask council to establish a formal mechanism for community engagement in the development and implementation of this Asset Management Policy. This will not only ensure that the policy reflects the needs of all communities but also foster a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for Auckland’s future. The more of us who provide feedback to the Long-term Plan, the more our voice will be heard. Please have your say now. https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/