Community groups facing increases in rent and maintenance costs say belts can’t get any tighter and volunteers are already giving their all to keep them thriving. They will meet on Friday and are likely to put a joint proposal to Waiheke Local Board to plead their case.
Auckland council staff have recommended five-year leases with a right of renewal for five years but the local board is expected to decide soon if the affected groups will have to pay more rent and maintenance costs in line with new guidelines for occupancy in council-owned buildings. The maintenance and operational expenses for these buildings come out of the board’s budget and that cost is potentially recouped through rent and fees.
• Helen Vause
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