An Auckland mayoral candidate wants a further cut to the number of Auckland Council employees, saying there has not been enough cost-saving since all the councils were amalgamated three years ago.
Candidate John Palino on Saturday. Photo: RNZ
John Palino is promising a mix of new developments and lower rates rises, after launching his bid on Saturday to unseat incumbent Len Brown.
The council and its agencies employ about 2000 fewer personnel than before amalgamation in 2011, but Mr Palino says there is still room for further cuts.
He says the council should implement a sinking lid and not replace people who leave or retire.
Mr Palino said trimming staff costs by 5% would allow a significant cut in the size of rates rises, which will average 2.9% this year.
