In a determined bid to cut costs and streamline operations, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has welcomed Tātaki Auckland Unlimited into the Auckland Council building, Te Wharau o Tāmaki Auckland House.

Following suit, Eke Panuku is set to join, marking significant strides toward saving a substantial $13 million annually.

The move sees over 300 Tātaki Auckland Unlimited staff finding a new home, thanks to an accelerated property optimisation program.

The focus is on consolidating staff into a centralised council-owned site at Auckland House.

This initiative, initially started in 2018, gained momentum this year at the Mayor's insistence.

"I was elected to stop wasting money, so I was clear from day one that we must reduce our property costs.

I’m pleased with the work of property leaders in Auckland Council and our CCOs who have identified an aggressive work plan that rationalises corporate office space," Mayor Brown stated.

Auckland Council staff have collaborated closely to pinpoint opportunities for property optimisation, emphasising shared-use efficiencies.

The goal is to reduce council sites from 17 to just five by the end of June 2024, resulting in significant savings.

The accelerated program has facilitated the council's exit from several leased sites, consolidating Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Eke Panuku into one building alongside the Auckland Council.

Auckland Transport will sub-lease out a floor at their premises, and Auckland Emergency Management will avoid leasing a separate site.

"The move offers Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Eke Panuku some strong advantages, including more space and better opportunities to collaborate with council staff to get things done.

We offer them a warm welcome," expressed Mayor Brown.

By June 2024, the council group's property footprint is expected to shrink from 128,000 square meters to under 70,000, generating annual savings of $13 million in reduced operating costs.

But the Mayor remains ambitious: "Through the Long-Term Plan, we are aiming to further maximise the value of council to Aucklanders by delivering shared service arrangements across the group and will be continually reviewing the way council organises itself."

On the current trajectory, Group Shared Services could potentially save a further $8-13 million across the council group per year, promising positive outcomes for both the city and its residents.