The Auckland Mayor has outlined his Mayoral Proposal for Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2026/2027.
This year’s draft proposal maintains the financial settings outlined in the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 for year three with a strong focus on providing value to Aucklanders through financial prudence and stewardship.
· Capital investment of $3.9 billion
· Debt forecast to 225% (debt to revenue well within prudent levels)
· 7.9% average residential rates increase (the CRL a key driver here)
· Total savings target of $106 million (an increase of $20 million on 2025/2026)
· Asset sales: $34 million
The Mayor says the current settings are fit for purpose.
“We are going to stick to the plan that’s working, this is our contract with the community, and it is important that we keep our side of the agreement. The rates increase primarily pays for the additional costs of CRL. While that cost has been enormous, once it’s open we will see huge economic benefits – it will transform Auckland.”
“Overall, the council has found savings and efficiencies while delivering the services Aucklanders expect. The Better Value Projects programme has been very effective, and that good work will continue alongside the Value for Money committee, chaired by my Deputy. I want us to keep up the good work here and stay the course.”
Deputy Mayor and Value for Money Committee Chair Desley Simpson confirms the unwavering focus on savings and financial efficiency will continue.
“Having worked to achieve over $1b in financial benefits in the last six years, my commitment to Aucklanders is to continue strongly with that focus on financial efficiencies. Given the costs of operating CRL that we are expecting, it is vitally important we keep our focus on opportunities for revenue growth and continued savings.”
Councillor Greg Sayers will look after much of the annual plan under the Budget and Performance Committee.
“Unlike so many other annual plans, because of our prudent approach to financial management in the last term, we’re in a pretty good position. While there are cost pressures, we will be able to manage those within existing budgets without the need to burden the ratepayer further.”
The proposal also highlights key initiatives of focus for councillors to keep top of mind when considering the annual plan, which sets the groundwork for the planning of the LTP next year.
The Mayor says while there is no proposal to change what is in the LTP, he has taken this opportunity to provide direction on important issues that will set up Auckland to succeed.
“Top of the list is transport reform with a focus on the new Public Transport CCO. The intention of CCO reform was to bring decision-makers closer to these decisions so they make sense alongside each other. We’re looking at transport investment that is cheaper and less annoying than currently under Auckland Transport. Land-use planning must sit alongside transport planning if we’re going to transform Auckland.”
“We are now setting out the nuts and bolts of how Auckland Transport will become the public transport service provider alone, which they’re actually pretty good at, and all the other parts must be done better and will be within the council. I’m asking councillors to think regionally here, not just about their own patch."
“I’m also keen to progress the next phase of my CCO reform programme that includes a new way of approaching urban regeneration, property management and the need for a commercially driven Economic Development Strategy.”
The Mayor adds that the city centre should also be considered ahead of the LTP.
‘We must also make sure Auckland is a vibrant, clean, safe and welcoming city centre that is open for business. The government has started working more closely with me on this, but we must remember where responsibility lies here: we do places, they do people.”
“There will also be better use of public spaces, particularly at the waterfront, and more Browny’s Pools!”
“My proposal is focused on delivering smarter services, faster progress, stronger communities and more value. Better, faster, cheaper!”
The draft Mayoral Proposal for the Annual Plan 2026/2027 will be discussed at a workshop on Wednesday, 3 December – further input will be provided by councillors, local boards and Houkura before being finalised and released ahead of decision-making on December 15. If approved, consultation on the Annual Plan 2026/2027 will take place early next year.
The annual plan also gives council the opportunity to engage with Aucklanders to check in on their priorities ahead of the next long-term plan. Public consultation is expected to begin in late February 2026.
The full mayoral proposal and staff report can be found here
