Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council’s plan for the year ahead is out for consultation now – and Aucklanders are encouraged to check it out.
Every year the council consults with the community on its annual plan and, until 29 March 2026, Aucklanders are encouraged to give their feedback.
Mayor Wayne Brown says the 2026-2027 budget is about continuing to do things better, faster, cheaper to minimise the impact on ratepayers and continue boosting performance across the council.
“My expectation is simple: deliver smarter services, maintain what we have, and get more from every asset. A major focus for the coming year is transport reform. There will be a new public transport service provider, with all other transport functions brought into the council so decisions are simpler, faster, making us more accountable,” says Mayor Brown.
“We are also progressing with other CCO reform, including a more commercial approach to urban regeneration, better property management, and stronger economic development.
“We said we would fix Auckland by being disciplined with money, finishing what we started, and getting better value from every dollar. My expectation is that we keep working on doing everything to bring our costs down to avoid further burden on ratepayers, while providing appropriate and accessible support for those experiencing financial hardship.”
Prioritising infrastructure and communities
The Annual Plan 2026/2027 continues the council’s focus on strengthening Auckland’s physical and financial resilience – prioritising transport, water and enabling local boards to respond to their communities’ needs.
2026/2027 will see the council invest $3.9 billion into new capital infrastructure projects across Auckland – helping deliver a region with the physical assets it needs to thrive and grow. The council will also invest $5.3 billion into continuing essential services Aucklanders rely on such as pools, libraries, animal management, public transport and waste collection.
Through the consultation, the council also wants to understand Aucklanders’ priorities for the region’s long-term future – to inform our upcoming work on plans such as regional transport plans, water service strategies, Auckland’s spatial plan and our Long-term Plan 2027-2037.
City Rail Link launch
The City Rail Link (CRL) launch is a major highlight for the year ahead, as a service expected to transform Aucklanders’ ability to move around the region by delivering more trains and quicker, easier journeys. It will also bring economic and environmental benefits.
The council is planning an overall rates increase of 7.9 per cent (for the average value residential property) for 2026/2027, as previously agreed in the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.
As a key investment for Auckland in 2026, the CRL is the main driver for the rates increase, as the council manages additional CRL costs (ownership and operational costs) in its budget. From 2027/2028, the average rates increase is forecast to be no more than 3.5 per cent for the rest of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.
The CRL will deliver more frequent trains across the network, new routes across town on a single train and more direct journeys into the city centre. Aucklanders living further from rail lines will have improved service connections between trains and buses. It will be transformational for the Auckland region, and as a key part of the integrated transport system, it will deliver benefits to the whole region, whether or not people have a local train station. It will also remove parking and travel stress for those attending events and shows in the city.
Continued focus on savings
Savings and increased efficiency across the council have helped reduce what could have been an even higher rates rise. This includes a savings target of $106 million for the 2026/2027 year – an additional $20 million on the existing target. The $106 million equates to 3.5 per cent of rates.
For the average household, annual rates are proposed to increase by around $320 next year – from $4055 in 2025/2026 to $4375 in 2026/2027. This is a total weekly rates cost of around $84, or $6.16 more a week (based on an average $1.28m capital value residential property).
Ratepayers can find out estimated rates for their property in 2026/2027, see the online rates guide.
Regional and local planning
Auckland Council group chief financial officer Ross Tucker says the annual plan outlines priorities both at a regional level and locally through all 21 local boards – enabling Aucklanders to see exactly what is planned in their area, for the year ahead.
“Our annual plan captures the big region-wide projects being delivered in the next year, such as the CRL, the Central Interceptor, and continuing urban regeneration in locations across Auckland,” says Mr Tucker.
“It also includes the plans for each local board, setting out the key activities and services planned for their local area. These might include improvements within libraries; developing local sports parks or initiatives to protect their local environment.”
Local boards are responsible for the local services that strengthen Auckland’s communities, including parks, environmental initiatives, libraries, pools, recreation centres, community halls, programmes and local events, as well as support for local community groups.
Targeted rates
Individual properties may also see some changes to targeted rates this year. These include the future of the Waitākere Rural Sewerage Scheme; a proposed new local services targeted rate for Mangere-Otahuhu and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe local boards; and two business improvement district (BID) changes.
Among proposed fee updates is the residential parking permit operated by Auckland Transport. The residential permit fee has not been amended since 2013 and is no longer recovering the full cost of administering the permit system. The annual $70 fee is proposed to increase to $114 per year, to better recover the cost of administering and managing this process.
The Governing Body and local boards will consider public feedback before councillors agree the final plan that will be underway from 1 July.
We want to know what Aucklanders think about the plan – visit akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan now. Consultation closes 29 March 2026.
Get involved during March
Webinar – Learn more about the 2026/2027 plan:
Want to learn more about the proposals in the Annual Plan 2026/2027? Join an online information session where you will be able to learn more about the consultation topics and will have the opportunity to ask questions of subject matter experts.
Date: Thursday 5 March, 6.30pm
Register now or head to akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan
Events
There are a range of events happening across the region where you can talk to some of the Auckland Council team in person. Head to akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan to find an event that works for you.
Supporting information
Annual Plan 2026/2027: key things to know
The Annual Plan sets out Auckland Council’s services, activities and investments for the year ahead and how it intends to pay for and deliver them. That includes rates and any changes ratepayers can expect.
City Rail Link launch
The City Rail Link (CRL) builds on transport investments made by the council and government across the region to ensure we have the roads, railways and public transport services Auckland needs for the future. The CRL will double the number of people who’ll experience a 30 minute or less commute time by public transport, into the city.
City Rail Link: Auckland’s new network in 2026
CRL to help improve transport region-wide
The CRL means there will be more frequent trains across the rail network, giving more choice of ways to travel locally. There will be new routes across town on a single train, making it possible to go between West Auckland and Sylvia Park, or Manukau without changing trains.
For example, post-CRL those travelling from Henderson peak morning to midtown Auckland will save 24 minutes in travel time. CRL will also provide the ability to travel directly to the south.
For many people living away from rail lines, there will be improved connections between trains and buses on the network. Alongside CRL, we have been rolling out improvements to services like more frequent bus services, new electric buses and new ferries.
Those living on the North Shore will be able to make an easy change – hopping off a Northern Busway bus at upgraded stops on Wellesley Street and heading underground to the train at Te Waihorotiu Station, with connections across the region. In the Eastern suburbs, buses on the Eastern Busway will link to Panmure station, with an easy train trip into the city centre, and onwards on the same train to west Auckland.
Rates will change
Not everyone will pay exactly 7.9 per cent more (that is for the average residential property valued $1.28 million). To find out estimated rates for a property during 2026/2027, see the online rates guide.
Rates vary based on the capital value of each property, its classification (residential, business farm or short-term accommodation) and location (urban or rural). Individual properties might also be subject to specific targeted rates that are different to those paid by a typical residential property.
Local board plans
All of Auckland’s 21 local boards share their plans for 2026/2027 – setting out priorities for their local community and where funds will be invested. Each plan is included for feedback in the Annual Plan consultation.
Water
Fundamental infrastructure investment continues across the region – the Central Interceptor that will reduce wastewater overflows into Central Auckland continues toward having its second half into service.
A $500 million water and wastewater renewals programme to replace ageing pipes and treatment plant infrastructure across Auckland continues. 2026/2027 also sees continued work on Wellsford’s wastewater treatment plant upgrade and Snells Beach/ Warkworth’s $450 million wastewater programme that will transform wastewater services in those areas.
Urban development
The programme will maintain momentum on current urban development programmes, including Drury, while reassessing priority locations such as Northcote, Henderson, Avondale, and Manukau.
City centre regeneration programmes will continue to progress, including completion of public spaces around CRL stations and further development of High Streets and Te Toangaroa.