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FOR MARKETING THAT SEL LLS Linda Simmons 027 459 0957 No.1 BAYLEYS DEVONPORT 2021/2022
A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R
August 11, 2023
Ruud awakening for environmental project... p5
Shore bolsters Defence Force rugby reps... p14
Interview: Eco-group chair Gordon Brodie...p18-19
Devonport the big loser in funding equity plan
Devonport stands to lose millions of dollars of council funding under a financial redistribution taking effect from as early as 2025. The area is expected to be among the worst hit by an accelerated shift to “equity funding” across Auckland’s 21 local boards. Briefings about the impact have begun, after Mayor Wayne Brown moved to bring
forward changes previously expected to take 10 or more years. He wants the new regime in operation within three years. Local representatives are alarmed that North Shore facilities will be neglected and that local ratepayers will be left paying more for less. “This is just a socialist-imposed system that is going to screw this board over
more than any other in Auckland,” Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member George Wood warned at a workshop presentation by council staff last week. Board member Gavin Busch predicted community anger would lead to calls to separate from Auckland Council. “All you’re To page 2
Mini United Nations flies the flags
Mixing it up... Year 2 pupils from Room 10 at Belmont Primary School were among the enthusiastic participants in the school’s recent International Day. Diversity story, page 2; pictures, pages 22-23.