Auckland Council’s Christmas Tree Costs Spark Debate Over Spending Priorities

A million-dollar Christmas tree is set to be erected in downtown Auckland, leaving some critics questioning the council’s spending priorities while its residents struggle through a cost-of-living crisis. The tree, dubbed Te Manaaki, will stand in Te Komititanga Square (formerly Elizabeth Square) on lower Queen Street and feature an 18m steel frame, decorated with 10,000 individual LED lights, 4000 pōhutukawa flowers, and more than 200 giant stainless steel baubles.

The Auckland Council has allocated $800,000 for the tree, while private organisations such as Heart of the City and Precinct Properties have contributed the remaining amount. The total cost is estimated to be around $1.3 million, according to the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance. This has raised concerns about the council’s spending priorities during a time of economic uncertainty.

The alliance spokesman Sam Warren stated, “There’s no doubt the tree will look stunning – it should, given its incredibly high price tag. However, considering the state of the books, and how everyone else has had to tighten their belts, it’s hard not to wonder if this is a ‘nice to have’ and not a necessity.”

The council has refused to provide a full cost breakdown, citing that the information will be publicly available in a press release due to be published soon. However, the alliance has lodged a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request to seek details of the full cost breakdown, which was declined.

In a letter seen by the Herald, the council stated that $400,000 of ratepayer dollars would go towards the tree’s purchase cost and another $400,000 would be spent on operational funding for the next few years. However, this information has been met with skepticism by the alliance, who claim a lack of transparency.

“We’ve had a real run-around with trying to work out exactly how much this is costing,” Warren said. “Every dollar spent by Auckland Council must be readily defendable, and choosing to release only a fraction of the information requested through a carefully crafted press release simply isn’t good enough.”

The council’s head of city centre programmes, Jenny Larking, defended the decision, stating that funding the tree through the city centre targeted rate means that resources provided by businesses and residents are reinvested to benefit the same community.

“The tree is an exciting new festive tradition for Auckland and a significant investment for the city that will be enjoyed for many years to come,” she said.

However, the alliance remains unconvinced, citing concerns about the council’s spending priorities during a time of economic uncertainty.

“This is not just about the cost of the tree itself, but also the broader implications for the city’s finances and how this decision fits into the overall budget,” Warren said. “We need to see more transparency and accountability from the council on this issue.”

The tree will be lit up during a special event on 23 November, with construction commencing outside Britomart Train Station and Commercial Bay on 17 November.

What do you think about Auckland Council’s decision to spend $1.3 million on a Christmas tree? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Some key points to consider:

* The cost of the Christmas tree is estimated to be around $1.3 million, with the council allocating $800,000 and private organisations contributing the remaining amount.
* Critics are questioning the council’s spending priorities during a time of economic uncertainty.
* The council has refused to provide a full cost breakdown, citing that the information will be publicly available in a press release due to be published soon.
* The alliance is calling for more transparency and accountability from the council on this issue.

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