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- Release Date: 28/02/14 16:38
- Summary: HALFYR: AKC: Auckland Council Interim Report 31 December 2013
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AKC
28/02/2014 14:38
HALFYR
REL: 1438 HRS Auckland Council
HALFYR: AKC: Auckland Council Interim Report 31 December 2013
Media release
28 February 2014
Solid six months for council group
Auckland Council Group's results for the six months to 31 December 2013 were
released today, showing its progress towards making Auckland the world's most
liveable city. In addition to financial performance, in the six months to
December 2013 Auckland has hosted a multitude of events, built and purchased
new assets for the region, and continued to deliver day to day services,
providing benefits for all Aucklanders.
Finance and Performance Committee Chair Penny Webster says the result
reflects a strong financial foundation from which the group can deliver
significant planned capital investments to continue creating the world's most
liveable city.
The group has announced an operating surplus of $161 million in the first six
months of the 2013/2014 financial year, and increased the value of its net
assets by $330 million.
"This puts us in a good place to continue delivering benefits for all
Aucklanders. Over the previous six months, we have invested $649 million in
key assets which will help us do this. For example, we invested in the
Panmure transport interchange as part of the Auckland Manukau Eastern
Transport Initiative, which will provide more transport choices, improve
walking and cycling facilities, reduce traffic congestion and unlock the
economic potential of the area."
Key projects over the six month period include:
- Improving Auckland's roads and footpaths by investing an additional $182
million
- Helping decrease congestion by taking delivery of our first new electric
trains; $47 million invested
- Providing increased capacity for the expected growth in Auckland's
population by investing $28 million in the Hunua 4 watermain project.
Other major regional and local projects giving benefits to Aucklanders
include:
- Making it easier for Aucklanders to find out important information through
a mobile version of the Auckland Council website, which includes rubbish and
recycling collection dates, property valuations and rates, as well as lodging
a noise complaint
- Delivering on our commitment to Auckland's communities by delivering on
several long-awaited community projects, including the $5.5 million Ranui
Library and the $5.2 million Otahuhu Recreation Precinct
- Responding to new housing legislation by establishing a housing project
office and announcing 22 Special Housing Areas
- Continuing development on the waterfront including opening the Shed 10
ferry terminal
- The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o T?maki was awarded the 2013 World Building
of the Year at the prestigious World Architecture Festival
- Seamless implementation of new licensing regulations under the new Sale and
Supply of Alcohol Act 2013
- Protecting our built heritage by using the newly set up Auckland Council
Heritage Acquisition Fund to purchase the historic Wong Doo Building (1884 -
1885) on Hobson Street and Airedale Cottages (1856) on Airedale Street.
Through these projects and others the group invested $649 million renewing
and expanding assets for the benefit of its communities. Operating cash flow
funded $395 million of the capital programme, with debt of $254 million
funding the balance.
The group also continues to provide value for ratepayers through effective
financial management. This includes savings programmes operated throughout
the group to improve operational efficiency and prudent management of the
group debt portfolio. Borrowings are from diversified funding sources
including domestic and offshore borrowing programmes, and the Local
Government Funding Agency. This has allowed the group to extend the term of
borrowings to provide long term funding stability.
The strength of the balance sheet and effective financial and debt management
enabled Standard & Poor's and Moody's to reaffirm Auckland Council's
long-term credit ratings of AA and Aa2 respectively. On the back of these the
group accessed and raised $297 million on the international financial market
in the past six months. Auckland Council is the only local authority in New
Zealand permitted to borrow offshore.
The interim report will be available on Auckland Council's website at the end
of March.
Ends
For media assistance, please contact: Glyn Walters, Media Manager 021 278
6858.
End CA:00247661 For:AKC Type:HALFYR Time:2014-02-28 14:38:33
