Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance slams $2.5 million Western Springs proposal

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is urging councillors to vote down a proposal by Council-Controlled Organisation Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to spend $2.5 million of ratepayer money on a new concert venue at Western Springs.

Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said the proposal highlights the Council’s lack of a clear plan for the future of Western Springs.

“Ratepayers are still none the wiser about what problem Auckland Council is actually trying to solve here.”

“Western Springs has operated as a successful concert venue for decades, while also accommodating Speedway and Ponsonby Rugby. Now, after burning through $11 million to force Speedway out, the Council wants to pour even more money into a solution looking for a problem.”

“The Council is making it up as they go along when it comes to one of Auckland’s most valuable public assets.”

“To push ahead with another $2.5 million spend up while Aucklanders are about to be hit with a record rates hike is simply unacceptable.”

“Ratepayers deserve discipline and a proper plan for Western Springs, not more money thrown at ill-conceived ideas.”