Public consultation on Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 is now open, and we want to hear from Waitematā and Gulf residents whether we’ve got our priorities right.
The Annual Plan is focused on delivering the third year of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034. It aims to get on with strengthening the financial and physical resilience of Auckland, as committed to in the Long-Term Plan.
A 7.9 per cent rates increase for the average value residential property is proposed for 2026/2027. The rates increase helps deliver the City Rail Link, which will transform Aucklanders’ ability to move around the region by delivering more trains and quicker, easier journeys.
There are a range of proposed targeted rates changes and fees/user charges, including changes to the residential parking permit.
Each local board puts forward a plan for the 2026/2027 year – setting out priorities for their local community and where funds will be invested. Each plan is included in the Annual Plan after considering feedback from their local community.
Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board plans to fund improvements to the library service, and partner with mana whenua and community on Moana Ora (marine wellbeing) projects. Priorities for the next year include annual grants to community groups to continue delivering health, wellbeing, resilience, waste, environment, and education services for the island. Renewals of the walking tracks, parks and playgrounds are also key projects.
“We look forward to seeing you at the Growers & Makers market on 7 March and hearing your feedback to help us decide where to invest local funding for the new financial year,” says Izzy Fordham, chair of Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board.
Waiheke Local Board’s priorities for 2026/2027 include continuing local services while investing in the island’s natural environment, community connection, and key plans like the Rangihoua Reserve Onetangi Sports Park Reserve Management Plan and the Waiheke Local Carbon Action Plan. Planned projects include new play features at Tawaipareira Reserve, replacing Rakino Hall, a toilet at McKenzie Reserve, and upgraded lighting at Onetangi Sports Park.
“We will always tautoko and support our community, care for our environment, and invest in the local projects that matter most,” says Kylee Matthews, chair of Waiheke Local Board.
“Because we’re working within limited resources, your voice is essential in helping us decide what should be prioritised.”
Waitematā Local Board wants your feedback on options to best cope with cost pressures. The board needs to find savings of $1 million and is asking residents about options for potential service reductions and fee increases to see what would least impact the community.
“It is proposed that our local board receive no increases to its budget despite inflation, which means cuts,” says Alexandra Bonham, Waitematā Local Board chair.
“How do we balance our budget, while at the same time limiting the impact on our community? Do we cut library hours, reduce maintenance, charge more for our pools, or something else?”
Some of the key focuses for Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 are transport, water and enabling local boards to respond to their communities’ needs.
2026/2027 will see 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. It will also invest $5.3 billion into continuing essential services Aucklanders rely on.
When completing the consultation, you’ll be asked about your thoughts on:
- Council’s plan for next year
- Your Local Board Agreement
- Proposed changes to targeted rates, fees and charges
You do not have to respond to every section of the consultation if you don’t want to.
Want to learn more?
Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board
Saturday 7 March 2026, 11am to 12:30pm
Growers and Makers Market, Claris Conference Centre
BBQ drop-in session
Waiheke Local Board
Wednesday 11 March 2026, 4pm to 6pm
Waiheke Local Board office, 10 Belgium Street, Ostend
Drop-in session
Waitematā Local Board
Saturday 14 March 2026, 11am to 3pm
Te Rimutahi, 254 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Drop-in session
Saturday 21 March 2026, 11am to 3pm
Basque Park, 17-23 Exmouth Street, Eden Terrace
Drop-in session
Visit http://akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan for all the consultation material and to tell us what you think before Sunday 29 March.