The council’s proposed Annual Plan 2026/2027 is out now for all Aucklanders’ to have their say. The plan includes a proposed rates increase of 7.9 per cent for the average value residential property.
What does the annual plan mean for next year’s rates?
Each annual plan sets out rates for the year and the average increases or changes ratepayers can expect. A 7.9 per cent rates increase for the average value residential property is proposed for 2026/2027 (for the average value residential property).
Rates make up less than 40 per cent of council income and contribute significantly to the quality of life Aucklanders’ have. They help maintain and enhance the infrastructure, parks, facilities, activities and services that make Auckland a great place to live.
Rates help us invest in services and activities for our communities – improving public transport, maintaining parks, museums and art galleries, environmental services, rubbish collection and community facilities.
What’s the extra rates delivering?
A major highlight this year is the expected start of the City Rail Link (CRL), which will transform Auckland’s public transport. The CRL is a key investment for Auckland and is bringing a range of benefits to Auckland.
As CRL opens in 2026, the council will have additional annual costs come into play. These costs are the primary driver of the 7.9 per cent rates increase. The CRL will enhance Aucklanders’ ability to move around the region by delivering more trains and quicker, easier journeys. It will also bring economic and environmental benefits.
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. We will also invest $5.3 billion into continuing essential services Aucklanders rely on (operating costs). For more highlight projects for 2026-2027, read on.
Will all ratepayers have an extra 7.9 per cent to pay?
Not every household will pay exactly 7.9 per cent more – that is the increase for the average residential property (valued $1.28 million). Rates vary based on the capital value of each property. Individual properties might also be subject to specific targeted rates which might impact the rates change. Our online rates guide provides estimated rates for each property. See our online rates guide.
What is the average cost 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.
These figures are based on an average $1.28m capital value (CV) residential property. Capital values help us share rates fairly across all property owners, and are only for setting rates.
How can I see what rates I will pay next year?
To find out estimated rates for your property during 2026/2027, see our online rates guide.
Are there changes to any targeted rates?
Targeted rates contribute to specific services or projects and are generally set across all ratepayers, or to specific ratepayers in certain areas.
Individual properties may see some changes to targeted rates. Proposed changes include:
- the future of the Waitakere Rural Sewerage Scheme (affecting the associated targeted rate from 2027/2028 onward)
- a proposed new local services targeted rate for Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board
- a proposed new local services targeted rate for Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board
There are also several proposed changes to other targeted rates:
- a proposed reduction to the area of the Onehunga Business Improvement District (BID) and changes to the BID targeted rate
- a proposed expansion of the Kingsland BID and changes to the BID targeted rate
- a proposed reduction in the Rodney Drainage District targeted rate for properties in the Te Arai Drainage District.
What about business rates?
Under our rates policy, businesses contribute 31 per cent of the rates revenue. In 2026/2027, the rates for an average value business property ($3.89 million) will rise by 9.84 per cent.
What about farm and lifestyle rates?
The rates for an average value farm/ lifestyle property will increase by 8.37 per cent in 2026/2027.
Individual business and farm/lifestyle properties might also be subject to specific targeted rates which might impact the rates change. Our online rates guide provides estimated rates for each property.
Rates increase numbers indicated in this article are subject to adoption of the council’s final budget in June 2026 and updated property information.
What is Auckland Council doing to cut costs?
Auckland Council is focused on delivering value for money and continues to forecast some of the lowest rates increases in New Zealand.
While the overall rates rise is higher than the council would like – we have delivered savings and increased efficiency across the council that have helped reduce what could have been an even higher rates rise.
For 2026–2027, we have set a savings target of $106 million, which includes an additional $20 million in annual savings as part of our ongoing commitment to financial sustainability. The $106 million equates to around 3.5 per cent of rates revenue.
In addition to savings, the council utilises value for money reviews, a Better Value Projects approach, a focus on non-rates revenue, sales of under-utilised assets and an ongoing focus on driving value for every dollar to manage new priorities and changing demands for the future.
How are rates calculated?
Rates increases for individual residential properties may differ from the average 7.9 per cent.
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.
If a property's value has increased (such as due to renovation work) or decreased, its rates increase might be lower or higher than the average change.
Read more about rates on the council website.
Our online rates guide provides estimated rates for each property in 2026/2027.