Environmental management and regulation

Key areas of spend

• Capital spend: $177 million
• Operating spend: $5,425 million
• Rates value per $100: $10

How operating costs are funded

• Other, including fees and charges: 52%
• Rates: 48%

The challenges

A degrading natural environment

Our rapid growth is putting pressure on our environment, along with the spread of pests, weeds and diseases threatening many of our native species. Approximately two-thirds of Auckland’s local native species are under threat of extinction.

Climate change

Further pressure will be put on our indigenous species as the effects of climate change are increasingly felt.

Our plan

Investing more in environmental protection

Additional investment in environmental protection has been enabled by the extension of the Natural Environment Targeted Rate.

With this funding we can double the number of threatened species we are managing and actively manage pests across 72 per cent of the prioritised eco systems. Protection from pests assists native species in resilience to climate change.

Zero waste Auckland

During this ten-year period we will continue to roll out our food waste service and increase the network of community recycling centres.

Natural Environment Targeted Rate

The Natural Environment Targeted Rate has funded work to address the spread of kauri dieback disease and tackle pests that are killing our native birds and trees.

So far we have opened 60km of kauri-safe tracks, undertaken pest control on 88,000ha of reserve and park land and set more than 1500 traps to eliminate stoats on Waiheke Island.

We are extending the duration of the Natural Environment Target Rate from 2028 to 2031. This will provide an additional $107 million allowing us to continue our work in this area.