Auckland City Council

Auckland City Council is the local government authority representing Auckland City, New Zealand. It is an elected body representing the 404,658 residents (2006 census) of the city (which includes some of the Hauraki Gulf islands such as Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island). It is chaired by the Mayor of Auckland, currently (from October 2007) John Banks.

Finances

In the financial year ending June 2007, Auckland City Council had operating revenue of NZ$ 552 million, of which 68% came from Council rates, which were NZ$ 859 per ratepayer on average. It expended NZ$ 343 million on capital projects, of which 45% went to 'transport' expenses, 19% to 'property and asset management' and 17% to 'open spaces, parks and streetscapes', while 10% were spent on 'stormwater and waste management'. Another 7% were spent on 'arts and culture' and 2% on 'zoo, recreational facilities and community development'. The operating surplus was NZ$ 40.3 million.Auckland City Council Annual Report Summary 2006/2007 - leaflet, Auckland City Council, 2007]

Elections

The councillors and the mayor of Auckland City are elected every three years. In the 2007 elections, the voter turnout was 39.4%,Fact|date=October 2007 down from 48% in 2004 and 43% in 2001. ["The Battle for Auckland City" - "The New Zealand Herald", Monday 24 September 2007, Page A5]

Auckland City's council is currently dominated by the majority centre-right leaning Citizens & Ratepayers bloc. The composition of the Council is as follows: [ [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/members/representatives/default.asp Mayor's and councillors' contact details] (from the Auckland City Council's official website. Accessed 2008-04-25.)]

See also

* Auckland City

References

External links

* [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/ Auckland City Council] (official website)