The chair of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board is urging residents to provide feedback for the annual budget as funding may be cut for many local projects and services.

The Auckland Council has plans to cut funding to 21 local boards which could affect the community.

Gary Brown, the chair of the local board said the council wants to save about $838,000 in the area and will hit the board’s activities.

“Stopping some initiatives, such as pest eradication, could set us back years. So those activities must continue. Likewise, overdue renovations need to go ahead at Orewa Library and the East Coast Bays Community Centre,” said Gary.

“But almost everything else is on the table, so it’s vital residents tell us what they want going forward.”

Some key priorities and projects that will continue include the renewals of the Orewa Library and East Coast Bays Community Centre renewals; Anzac Day events; support for local groups working with youth; pest plant and animal control activities and environmental volunteer coordination.

Local services that could be affected by the budget cuts include Estuary Arts Centre and Centrestage Theatre funding; community climate action and sustainability; community delivery/ programmes; environmental education; grants; Economic Development Fund; events such as Rodders Beach, Okura Forest; Sir Peter Blake Regatta, movies and Santa parades; park activations, and East Coast Bays Community Project; library services and hours; water quality and waste management activities.

Hibiscus Coast residents who want to have a say about these proposed budget cuts are asked to give feedback online, by email or by phone. 

The final date is 28 March or you can attend a session at the East Coast Bays Library, 8 Bute Road, Browns Bay on 17 March from 11am-1pm.