A proposed average residential rates increase of 7.9 per cent is one of the key issues open for feedback as Auckland Council consults on its draft Annual Plan 2026/2027.
Consultation is open until 29 March 2026. The annual plan builds on the council’s Long-term Plan and continues the focus on strengthening Auckland’s financial position while investing in the infrastructure and services communities rely on every day.
The proposal includes a $3.9 billion investment in capital projects across the region and $5.3 billion to deliver essential services such as transport, water, waste, parks and community facilities.
A major milestone this year is the opening of the City Rail Link (CRL), which will reshape Auckland’s public transport network and improve connectivity across the region. The additional annual costs associated with operating and maintaining the CRL are a key factor in the proposed rates increase.
The annual plan outlines the choices facing the Auckland region and with many households feeling the pressure of rising living costs, it’s time to hear from residents whether the right balance has been struck between investing for the future and keeping rates affordable.
Councillor Victoria Short says community feedback plays an important role in shaping final decisions.
“This is about priorities. Every dollar we spend needs to deliver real value and reflect what matters most to our communities. We must balance investment in essential services and long-term projects with the everyday pressures households face.
"That’s why hearing from the community is so important. We encourage people to review the proposals, consider the impact on their household and neighbourhood, and share what matters most to them.”
In Albany Ward, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board and the Upper Harbour Local Board oversee local services that support communities, including parks, libraries, pools, recreation centres, community facilities, events and environmental programmes. Each board sets its own local priorities and budget within the funding provided by the council’s Governing Body.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board
Chair Alexis Poppelbaum says rising delivery costs continue to put pressure on local budgets.
“Although we’ve received a modest uplift through the fairer funding model, the cost of delivering services like libraries, pools and leisure centres continues to increase.
“We need to prioritise carefully to protect the services our community values most. Our focus is on maintaining core services while continuing to invest in initiatives that help our area remain a great place for families to live, work and play. We’re keen to hear which priorities residents believe should come first.”
Upper Harbour Local Board
Chair Anna Atkinson says the board is managing rising costs within existing funding levels.
“While our overall funding hasn’t decreased, increased operating costs mean we face a shortfall of around $740,000 compared to last year. We need to consider options such as reducing some services, adjusting programmes, or modestly increasing fees.”
Potential measures include scaling back maintenance and environmental programmes, reviewing community grants and events, and adjusting certain fees. A proposal under consideration is to increase fees for adults at the Albany Stadium Pool.
“We want to hear whether the community prefers service reductions, fee changes, or both,” says Atkinson.
Have your say
Feedback can be provided online, by email, by post, or in person at a Have Your Say event. Visit the AK Have Your Say to read the full proposals, find event details, and register to attend a session where you can speak directly to elected members.
- Upper Harbour hearing-style event, Upper Harbour Local Board office, 6–8 Munroe Lane, Albany on Thursday 19 March from 3pm. Please register for this event.
- Hibiscus and Bays hearing-style event, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board office, 6–8 Munroe Lane, Albany on Thursday 24 March from 2pm. Please register for this event.
Residents across Albany Ward are encouraged to read the draft Annual Plan 2026/2027 and share their views before consultation closes on 29 March 2026.
The Governing Body and local boards will consider public feedback before councillors agree on the final plan, which takes effect from 1 July.