Budget cuts have stalled a pilot programme to employ compliance wardens to monitor and report community safety and environmental protection issues throughout Rodney. Two wardens were taken on by Rodney Local Board in 2022 to raise public awareness around a range of issues, from freedom camping, dogs on beaches and in parks, and shorebird protection to sediment run-off and environmental management. Chair Brent Bailey said the $140,000 12-month pilot had been “a key part of Auckland Council’s graduated approach to enforcement, which provides education and advice to reduce offending and anti-social behaviour”.
However, contracts were not renewed when the programme finished in July last year. “Due to budget restrictions, the pilot programme was not rolled out for the current financial year 2024-2025,” he said, adding that the board members would begin thinking about the programmes and projects they would like to see delivered in Rodney for the next two financial years in October. There may also be scope for wardens to return as part of an Auckland-wide initiative.
Council’s manager for licensing and compliance, Adrian Wilson, said council’s compliance team was currently looking at options to introduce a Regional Community Safety Team of wardens..