Of that amount, $17.3m is capital expenditure and $22.2 million operational spending.
The extra spending is possible because of efficiencies in council spending over the last three years, finance committee deputy chair Desley Simpson said.
The new spending was tabled by Mayor Phil Goff and includes his recent proposal to add $1.1 million for new public transport initiatives. From September, children under 16 will ride free on weekends, on buses, trains and some ferries. Also, many ferry passengers will get fare cuts as a result of integrating their ferry tickets with bus and train connections.
Motorsport enthusiasts will see a further $8.9 million spent on Colin Dale Park, near the airport. Many motoring sports already operate there, and Goff hopes the park will become a new hub for all motorsport, including speedway. A decision on that is still some time away.
The extra money also includes $14 million to cover unanticipated costs in the refurbishment of Aotea Centre, which is under way now. The blowout occurred when it was realised cladding materials, similar to those on the Grenfell Tower in London, would have to be replaced. The cladding on Grenfell was a major factor in the devastating fire in that building, that led to the deaths of 72 people.
The budget decisions were made by the finance committee, which includes all councillors, the mayor and two members of the Independent Maori Statutory Board. They will go to the governing body of council for final ratification next month.
The vote was almost unanimous. Only Councillor Mike Lee voted against, and only Councillor Fa'anana Efeso Collins was absent.
