Updated Council Scorecard Overview (Budget Focus)

Council Scorecard — Budget & Finance Special

This Budget & Finance Special examines the last three months (March–May 2026) for the 2025–2028 term. It draws from the 8 City Builders Association Question Hubs categories but isolates Budgeting & Finance — the critical lens for fiscal restraint, rates moderation, and opposition to wasteful spending amid the pressures of unsustainable growth under Plan Change 120.

Scoring uses recorded votes only: +2 for pro-city builder (fiscal restraint) positions, -2 for anti, and 0 for no recorded division or consensus. Scores scaled 0–100.

Recent Vote Analysis (Last 3 Months)

14 April 2026 – Policy, Planning and Development Committee. Waste procurement motion (moved by Cr Julie Fairey) requesting a staff report by July on aligning procurement with UN Security Council Resolution 2334 — investigating/excluding businesses linked to Israeli settlements from council contracts. Pro-city builder position: AGAINST (avoids diverting officer time from core work, protects SME contracts and value for money). Result: Passed 14–2. Against (Pro): Cr Maurice Williamson, Cr Ken Turner.

26 May 2026 – Budget and Performance Committee (Annual Plan 2026/27). Cr John Gillon amendment (seconded by Cr Bo Burns) to reduce the proposed average rates increase from 7.9% to 5.9% via deeper savings and efficiencies. Pro-city builder position: FOR the amendment (eases burden on households and businesses amid PC120 growth risks). Result: Defeated. Supporters: Cr John Gillon, Cr Bo Burns, Cr Christine Fletcher, Cr Mike Lee, Cr Greg Sayers, Cr Ken Turner, Cr John Watson, Cr Maurice Williamson.

Budget & Finance Scorecard — Last 3 Months Only

| Councillor | Score | Grade | |---|---|---| | Ken Turner (Waitākere) | 100 | A | | Maurice Williamson (Howick) | 100 | A | | Christine Fletcher (Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa) | 75 | B | | Mike Lee (Waitematā and Gulf) | 75 | B | | John Watson (Albany) | 75 | B | | Greg Sayers (Rodney) | 75 | B | | Bo Burns (Howick) | 62 | B/C | | John Gillon (North Shore) | 62 | B/C | | Andy Baker (Franklin) | 38 | D/E | | Josephine Bartley (Maungakiekie-Tāmaki) | 38 | D/E | | Shane Henderson (Waitākere) | 38 | D/E | | Richard Hills (North Shore) | 38 | D/E | | Daniel Newman (Manurewa-Papakura) | 32 | D/E | | Sarah Paterson-Hamlin (Whau) | 32 | D/E | | Victoria Short (Albany) | 32 | D/E | | Matt Winiata (Manurewa-Papakura) | 32 | D/E | | Desley Simpson (Ōrākei) | 32 | D/E | | Julie Fairey (Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa) | 20 | E | | Mayor Wayne Brown | 20 | E | | Alf Filipaina (Manukau) | 20 | E | | Lotu Fuli (Manukau) | 20 | E |

Summary Insights as of Late May 2026

Standout Performers

Ken Turner and Maurice Williamson lead with perfect A grades in the Budget category for the period — consistently opposing wasteful motions and supporting rates relief. Strong support from Fletcher, Lee, Watson, and Sayers shows a growing voice for moderation.

Biggest Impact

The April waste motion and May rates amendment exposed a clear divide. A small group pushed for restraint, while the majority accepted higher rates and ideological diversions — adding pressure in an environment already strained by PC120-style growth.

Lower Performers

Those backing the 7.9% rates trajectory and/or the waste motion rank lowest, highlighting risks to ratepayer value and long-term affordability.

Additional Observations

Few full divisions occurred, but the recorded committee votes provide valuable transparency. The final Annual Plan adoption in June offers the next major test.

Sources: Official Auckland Council portals, committee videos and minutes from 14 April and 26 May 2026, and public reports.