Policy could reduce hall fees

The policy will change how Auckland Council halls, like Whangateau Hall, will be managed.

Rodney Local Board has approved a new policy for managing halls which will allow community groups to control their own costs and fees.

The new model gives communities three choices: either become an incorporated society and take over complete management of hall bookings, fees and everyday costs and maintenance; opt to have Auckland Council manage halls; or a mixed-model where communities are able to share management duties with Council.

Council community places manager Kevin Marriott says hall committees which opt to take on all management responsibilities would have to be incorporated societies. They would be able to set their own fees, pay for their own maintenance and reinvest any profits back into the hall.

The mixed management model would require hall committees to sign a memorandum of understanding with Council. The details of this agreement are still being finalised.

“At its smallest, it would be an advisory role for the committee with Council doing most of the doing, but it could expand into a committee taking on more management responsibilities,” Mr Marriott says. “We are trying to put in a suite of models which enables communities to govern and operate their halls.”

Hall committees will be able to opt for which management model they want early next year.

Local Board Parks Culture and Community Development Committee chair Beth Houlbrooke says the new policy will also improve the communication between Council and the hall committees, as groups will have a dedicated Council staff member to deal with.

“Previously Council communication has been really poor,” Ms Houlbrooke says.

The policy could allow committees to keep a lid on hall fees, she says.

“If they are able to manage their own costs, like cleaning and maintenance, they will be able to work to reduce the fees.”

Council would still be responsible for funding major capital works.