- By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council has approved close to $18 million in its latest funding round but there’s no money for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
At an extraordinary governing body meeting on April 24, councillors approved the Auckland Regional Amenities Fund (ARAF), which goes to eight organisations from Surf Life Saving to Auckland Philharmonia Trust.
Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust received no funding in the latest round which comes after the Trust lodged a legal challenge with the High Court in 2022 over significant cuts.
The Trust reported its fundraising efforts had worked against it as the funding board used it as a reason for cuts.
A 2023 ARAF board paper said the release of funding to the Trust was dependent on whether it submitted an annual report with audited financial statements for 2022, which is required under the act.
In that same paper, the board was told if it isn’t satisfied with the management of the Trust for the 2023-2024 financial year funding could be withheld and additional conditions placed on the Trust.
The fund is legislatively required through the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act 2008 which was set up to have secure funding for organisations that service the region.
Over the years, several councillors have expressed frustrations with the Act, calling for a review with the belief the legislation was no longer fit for purpose after the city’s amalgamation.
