Auckland Council’s plan for 2026/2027 is out for public feedback now, setting out the council’s services, activities and spend for the year ahead. Aucklanders are encouraged to share their views by Sunday 29 March.
The Annual Plan 2026/2027 prioritises transport, water and local boards responding to their local communities’ needs.
To deliver all activities, $3.9 billion will be invested into vital infrastructure across Auckland and $5.3 billion dedicated to essential services, such as pools, libraries, animal management, public transport and waste collection.
The consultation also asks for views on Auckland long-term – helping inform transport plans, water service strategies and the Long-term Plan 2027-2037.
Budget and Performance Committee chair, councillor Greg Sayers, encourages Aucklanders to get involved in the consultation.
“The Annual Plan consultation is how elected representatives hear what Aucklanders think about the plan for the year ahead and any hot topics or priorities they need to consider, as the Auckland Council heads to decision-making in June,” says Cr Sayers.
“The plan for 2026/2027 includes Auckland-wide priorities and our local board plans for the year. There is a range of ways to check out the plan for 2026/2027 and how you can feedback – every piece of feedback counts.”
What’s in the plan?
Auckland Council group chief financial officer Ross Tucker says a range of highlights will be delivered by the council during 2026/2027.
“This includes the opening of the City Rail Link (CRL), which will deliver benefits region-wide, such as more frequent trains, new routes across town on a single train and more direct journeys into the city,” says Mr Tucker.
The CRL will be the centrepiece of significant improvements in transport connectivity, capacity and levels of service across Auckland’s integrated transport system, and double the number of people who can reach the city centre by train in 30 minutes or less.
“We also have vital progress on infrastructure such as the Central Interceptor, delivered by Watercare, which will reduce wastewater overflows into central Auckland waterways. $500 million is also being invested by Watercare into a water and wastewater renewals to replace ageing pipes and treatment plant infrastructure. This fundamental work sets up the region to better manage growth and reduce risk of system issues.”
Watercare is also progressing an upgrade of Wellsford’s wastewater treatment plant and a $450 million wastewater programme at Snells Beach/ Warkworth.
Urban development programmes and city centre regeneration will continue, including completing public spaces at CRL stations and further development of High Street and Te Toangaroa.
“The plan also seeks feedback on what Auckland’s 21 local boards are planning for the coming year – this includes priorities for local communities and key services Aucklanders will receive in their backyard,” says Mr Tucker.
What about rates?
As a big investment for Auckland in 2026, the CRL is in the key driver of the 7.9 per cent rates increase next year (for the average value residential property), as the council manages additional CRL costs (ownership and operational costs).
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.
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.
Targeted rates changes are proposed, including the Waitākere Rural Sewerage Scheme; a 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. The annual $70 fee is proposed to increase to $114 per year, to better recover the cost of administering and managing the process.
The Governing Body and local boards will consider public feedback before councillors agree the final Annual Plan that will be underway from 1 July 2026.
We want to know what Aucklanders think about the plan – visit akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan now. Consultation closes Sunday 29 March 2026.
Get involved by Sunday 29 March
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 Aucklanders to have their say
There is increased flexibility and accessibility in how Aucklanders can give feedback. Alongside translations into NZSL, Easy Read, large print and braille, there are more ways for people to have their say.
- play the Pick your priorities game
- share your views by recording audio or video, instead of writing
- request a one-to-one call and give feedback at your own pace.