For every $100 you pay in rates this year, around $6 helps Auckland Council deliver services efficiently, make informed decisions and deliver the best value possible for ratepayers.
Running a city the size of Tāmaki Makaurau requires a lot more than just maintaining roads, collecting rubbish and issuing library books. It also means having the technology, systems and people in place to ensure we’re delivering services in the most efficient way possible, supporting elected members to make tough decisions and building our region's resilience.
This includes important behind-the-scenes programmes that support our future, such as Auckland Emergency Management, the Auckland Future Fund and projects that help us reach our ambitious savings targets.
Making every rates dollar count
A key focus for the council this year is continuing to find smarter, more efficient ways of working so we can deliver better value for Aucklanders.
Every dollar we save is a dollar off your rates bill. This year, we’re targeting $106 million in savings – equivalent to around 3.5 per cent of rates revenue – building on the $90 million in annual savings already achieved through the Long-term Plan 2024–2034.
Some of the ways we’re doing this include:
- Generating more income to reduce reliance on rates. For every dollar in rates, we raise almost $1.40 from elsewhere – for example, public transport fares, water and consenting charges, investment returns, grants and development contributions.
- Putting our own services under the microscope to ensure they deliver good value for money. Ten value for money reviews last term identified financial benefits worth up to $60 million, and we've just launched new ones into waste, stormwater, and arts and culture.
- Delivering Better Value Projects: by using smarter, standardised designs, setting maximum prices and using local suppliers we’re cutting costs on projects.
- Making under-used assets pay their way. That means selling or leasing some of our lesser-used assets like land and buildings to help pay for new ones that better serve Aucklanders.
- Reducing duplication across council-controlled organizations, including sharing technology and data systems.
Investing for the future
The Auckland Future Fund was introduced in 2024 and is an investment on behalf of all Aucklanders for the future. The goal of the fund is to create long-term wealth for the region, generating returns that help fund council services while growing the fund for future generations.
Supporting communities
Your rates also help fund programmes that support Auckland's communities and resilience, including:
- emergency management planning to help Auckland prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies
- a $16 million investment in the Marae Infrastructure Programme to help fund the development of safe, healthy and resilient marae
- grants that support Māori participation in Auckland Council decision-making.
By finding savings, investing wisely and improving the way we work, Auckland Council is delivering the best value possible for Aucklanders and setting us in good stead for the future.
EXPLORE MORE:
See how Better Value Projects are improving services.
See how our 10 value for money reviews are delivering better value.
See how the Auckland Future Fund is delivering value.