Transcript of 'Summary of Auckland Council's Annual Plan 2026/2027' video

Back to previous page.

[Video: An animation of Auckland Council’s pōhutukawa logo appears. The screen changes to show a dark blue background and text that reads, 'Auckland Council Annual Plan 2026/2027'. Auckland Council’s pōhutukawa logo is in the bottom right-hand corner.]

Voice: This presentation is about Auckland Council’s proposed annual plan for 2026/2027.

[Video: The Annual Plan 2026/2027 Consultation Document is displayed against a bright blue background. Text reads, 'Te Mahere ā-Tau 2026/2027 Te Tuhinga Whiriwhiri Kōrero, Annual Plan 2026/2027 Consultation Document'.]

[Video: A cut-out image shows a man carrying a picnic basket and a girl carrying a towel as they walk along a beach. In the top right-hand corner is a yellow speech bubble with the text, 'AK Have Your Say'.]

[Video: In the bottom left-hand corner is a blue banner with an illustration of five people and text that reads, 'We’re getting on with it'. Auckland Council’s pōhutukawa logo is in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.]

Voice: We publish a new long-term plan every three years. In all other years, we publish an annual plan.

[Video: The Annual Plan 2026/2027 Consultation Document is displayed in portrait format. Auckland Council’s pōhutukawa logo is featured in the bottom right-hand corner.]

Voice: An annual plan sets out what the council seeks to achieve in a financial year, the services we will provide, how much money will be spent, and where that money will come from.

Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 consultation will get underway in February 2026 with the plan to take effect on 1 July 2026.

The annual plan also includes a local board agreement for each of our 21 local boards.

[Video: The 'We’re getting on with it' banner with the five illustrated people is enlarged in the centre with the Auckland Council’s pōhutukawa logo.]

[Video: From left to right, the first illustrated person is wearing a teal hijab and an Auckland Council lanyard. The second person is dressed in a yellow shirt and an Auckland Council lanyard. The third person is wearing a green T-shirt and is holding a half dome-shaped sign with symbols that represent Auckland’s landscape, along with text that reads, 'Our Plan'. The fourth person is holding a wrench and dressed in an orange high-visibility vest and a yellow hard hat. The fifth person has black glasses and is wearing a pink top and an Auckland Council lanyard.]

Voice: Our annual plan for 2026-2027 focuses on getting on with the commitments made in our Long-term Plan 2024-2034, also known as our LTP.

[Video: The next shows an illustrated person above a wavy blue banner with text that reads. 'We’re getting on with…'. They are holding a half-dome-shaped sign with icons of Auckland’s landscape.]

[Video: Seven blue circles with cartoon icons are scattered in a circle around the person. Each bubble has text that describes a key proposal for the 2026/2027 annual plan. In clockwise direction, text in the circles read:

  • 'Delivering our vision (see pages 6-7)' with a cartoon figure using binoculars
  • 'City Rail Link – main reason for rates rise (see page 12)' and a cartoon image of a railway
  • 'Getting the most out of every dollar (see page 13)' and a cartoon icon of a wheelbarrow with a coin above it
  • 'Have your say (see page 36)'
  • 'A 7.9 per cent rates rise for average-value residential properties due mainly to CRL costs (see page 30)' and a percentage sign in a purple bubble with a green arrow wrapped around the bubble going clockwise, and a red arrow wrapped around the bubble continuing clockwise
  • 'Funding local services and infrastructure (see page 15)' and an illustration of two local board members holding weights of gold coins
  • 'Key programmes across seven investment areas (see page 8)' and icons in an arch outlining the seven areas. The areas are:
    • transport
    • water
    • built environment
    • natural environment
    • community
    • economic and cultural development
    • well-managed local government.]

[Video: In the bottom left-hand corner, a yellow speech bubble with text reads, 'AK Have Your Say'.]

Voice: Overall, we’re focused on delivering the long-term vision of the council, which is to create an Auckland that is beautiful, thriving and safe. We will do this by delivering the improvements to financial and physical resilience committed to in our LTP, while building a more efficient council focused on value for money for Aucklanders.

[Video: A white bubble on the left side of the screen contains a smaller red bubble with illustrations of a train, bus and car, and a small orange bubble with illustrations of three drops of water. Below the two small bubbles is text that says, 'Our priorities'. To the right of the white bubble is text that reads 'We are prioritising investment in transport, water and enabling local boards to respond to their communities’ needs.']

Voice: For 2026 to 2027 our plan prioritises investment in transport, water and enabling local boards to respond to their communities’ needs.

A major highlight is the expected opening of the City Rail Link (CRL). This will transform Auckland’s public transport and also bring economic and environmental benefits to Auckland. The ownership and operating costs of CRL, the bulk of which is interest and depreciation costs for the council's share of CRL, are the main reason for a planned 7.9 per cent rates increase for an average-value residential property.

Although the overall rates increase is higher than we would like, our focus on saving money and running Auckland Council Group efficiently has helped keep the increase lower than it would otherwise have been.

[Video: The next screen shows a white bubble with blue text that reads, 'Key programmes across seven investment areas'. Below this text are seven icons representing these investment areas. From left to right are icons for:

  • transport
  • water
  • built environment
  • natural environment
  • community, economic and cultural development
  • well-managed local government.]

Voice: Our plan sets out that we will spend $3.9 billion on major building and infrastructure projects across Auckland, like roads, public transport, parks and community facilities. We will also fund $5.3 billion for essential services and activities that Aucklanders use every day.

[Video: The next screen shows text that reads, 'Proposed Annual Plan 2026/2027 at a glance'. Below this is a subheading that reads, 'There are seven areas of council activities, or investment, that contribute to the vision for Auckland. The following is what we’re planning to deliver in 2026/2027.']

[Video: Below this is a table with seven columns for the seven key areas of investment and two rows showing operational spend (opex) and capital spend (capex) amounts for each investment area. Each column shows the icon for the relevant investment area.]

[Video: The total amount shown for opex across all investment areas is $5,279 million, and the total shown for capex is $3,940 million. The amounts shown for each investment area are as follows:

  • for transport, opex is $1,830 million and capex is $1,472 million
  • for water, opex is $829 million and capex is $1,551 million
  • for built environment, opex is $72 million and capex is $150 million
  • for natural environment, opex is $752 million and capex is $76 million
  • for community, opex is $967 million and capex is $367 million
  • for economic and cultural development, opex is $210 million and capex is $77 million
  • for well-managed local government, opex is $620 million and capex is $246 million.]

Voice: Our consultation document and accompanying supporting information detail the services and activities for each of seven investment areas of the council. As mentioned, a big focus is on transport, water and community services. But there are a very wide range of activities and services across other areas. These include:

  • investing in infrastructure to support housing programmes
  • advancing the 'Making Space for Water' programme that aims to reduce, avoid and raise awareness of flood risks
  • progressing city centre regeneration and urban development programmes
  • protecting our forests and waterways
  • continuing to deliver services that strengthen our local communities
  • events and activities to attract businesses and visitors to the region, and
  • expanding our network of recycling centres in the community.]

[Video: The next screen shows text that reads, 'Major projects in progress for 2026/2027'. Below this are six boxes listing major projects for different areas of Auckland. In the middle of the page is an illustrated map of Auckland with each area shown in a different colour. The content in the boxes is as follows:

  • the north Auckland box has:
    • an illustration of two water wells with the heading, 'Water treatment plant, Wellsford' and text that reads, 'Progressing a new water treatment plant to meet the demands of a growing population'
    • an illustration of a bus with the heading, 'Rosedale Bus Station' and text that reads, 'Progressing construction for a new busway station and multi-mode access improvements to Rosedale Road'
    • an illustration of a house and a tree with the heading, 'East Coast Bays Community Centre' and text that reads, 'Extensive upgrade and building refurbishment'
    • an illustration of a rugby pitch with the heading, 'Te Kori Scott Park, Hobsonville' and text that reads, 'Develop a sustainable sport park'
  • the west Auckland box has:
    • an illustration of a person on a bike, a person walking and a tree, with the heading, 'Te Whau Pathway' and text that reads, 'Design and construction of the boardwalks, bridges and concrete paths between Wingate Street and Rata Street'
    • an illustration of a person in a pool with the heading, 'West Wave Aquatic Centre' and text that reads, 'Phase two focuses on the replacement of roofing, cladding, water heater gas boiler, dive pool lining and pool hall filtration system'
    • an illustration of a house and a tree with the heading, 'Te Hono / Avondale Community Centre replacement' and text that reads, 'Development of an integrated library and community centre hub'
  • the south Auckland box has:
    • an illustration of a house and a tree with the heading, 'Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre' and text that reads, 'Comprehensive renewal of the library and community centre building'
    • an illustration of two people on a level crossing with the heading, 'Level crossing removals' and text that reads, 'Works to improve remaining pedestrian rail crossings at some rail stations, particularly in Takanini'
    • an illustration of a park slide with the heading, 'Otaawhati – Ray Small Park' and text that reads, 'Upgrade playground and park amenities'
    • an illustration of a person on a bike, a person walking and a tree, with the heading, 'Develop neighbourhood parks in Franklin' and text that reads, 'Bremner Road Drury, Ngakoroa Reserve Drury, Ray Fausett Reserve Pukekohe, Poohutukawa Park Glenbrook, Papahua Sports Park Pukekohe'
  • the central Auckland and Gulf islands box has:
    • an illustration of a rugby pitch with the heading, 'Waiheke Onetangi Sports Park' and text that reads, 'Upgrading fields and lighting for community use'
    • an illustration of a person in a pool with the heading, 'Olympic pools' and text that reads, 'Building structure strengthening and renewals'
    • an illustration of a building with the heading, 'Leys Institute' and text that reads, 'Comprehensive redevelopment given the breadth and depth of the works'
    • an illustration of four people standing next to each other with a heading that says, 'City Centre Programme' and text that reads, 'Delivering on the outcomes of the City Centre Masterplan to create a vibrant, accessible and inclusive city centre that contributes significantly to the Auckland region'
  • the east Auckland box has:
    • an illustration of a bus station with the heading, 'Eastern Busway' and the text, 'Progressing construction of the Pakuranga to Botany section of the Eastern Busway'
    • an illustration of a cricket pitch with the heading, 'Colin Maiden Park' and text that reads, 'Develop sports fields and infrastructure'
    • an illustration of a park slide with the heading, 'David Lange Park destination playground' and text that reads, 'Stage 2 upgrades including a youth zone'
  • The regionwide box has:
    • an illustration of a rugby pitch with the heading, 'Sports field capacity development programme' and text that reads, 'Developing, upgrading and renewing sports fields to increase sports field capacity across Auckland'
    • an illustration of a water dam with the heading, 'Central Interceptor' and text that reads, 'Watercare’s supersized tunnel will reduce wastewater overflows into central Auckland waterways'
    • an illustration of a house with the heading, 'Land acquisitions' and text that reads, 'Acquiring land for parks and open spaces to contribute to Aucklanders’ quality of life, as well as make better use of the parks we already have'
    • an illustration of two buildings with the heading, 'Urban regeneration' and text that reads, 'Strategically planning and investing in town centres, infrastructure and community amenities to enable sustainable development and support vibrant, connected neighbourhoods'
    • an illustration of a person on a bike, a person walking and a tree, with the heading, 'Moving transport forward' and text that reads, 'Developing new travel solutions and improving public transport'
    • an illustration of a train with the heading, 'City Rail Link (CRL)' and the text, 'CRL will be completed and operational in 2026. The 23 new trains, two new underground stations, new bus routes and improvements to the city centre’s public spaces will make travel around the region easier and the city centre more appealing for businesses, visitors and residents'.]

Voice: The consultation information also details the major projects that we will progress, or complete in 2026/2027.

[Video: The next slide had text that reads 'CRL – On track to deliver benefits' with an image of a train at the platform at Karanga-a-Hape Station. At the bottom left of the image is a blue arrow pointing up, with the text 'Karanga-a-Hape Station'.]

Voice: A major highlight of the annual plan is the City Rail Link or the CRL. After nearly ten years of construction, Auckland’s CRL will open in 2026 bringing transport, economic and environmental benefits to Auckland. New world-class stations, increased train frequency and improved access will encourage growth in jobs and help reinvigorate Auckland. The ownership and net operating costs for the CRL are projected to be $235 million per year. This includes:

  • Auckland Transport’s $26 million net operating costs for running additional stations and services, plus
  • interest ($167 million) and
  • depreciation funding requirement ($42 million).

The ownership and operating costs of the CRL are the main reason for a planned 7.9 per cent rates increase for an average-value residential property.

[Video: The next screen shows an illustration of two local board members standing in front of a Local Board sign. They are wearing Auckland Council lanyards and holding stacked coins on weighing scales. In front of them is an illustration of row of houses and trees.]

Voice: In our annual plan, we are also continuing to invest in local boards which are responsible for services that strengthen communities in their area. These services include:

  • parks
  • libraries
  • pools
  • arts
  • recreation centres
  • community halls
  • programmes and events, as well as
  • support for local community groups and environmental initiatives.

Local boards will decide which activities and services to focus on in their area, based on the funding available, including an extra $15 million of operating funding in 2026/2027.

[Video: The next screen shows a colour-coded map of Auckland, with numbers referencing each of the local board areas and the page number of the consultation document that features their proposals. These are:

  • Albert-Eden Local Board, page 17
  • Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board, page 17
  • Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, page 18
  • Franklin Local Board, page 18
  • Henderson-Massey Local Board, page 19
  • Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, page 19
  • Howick Local Board, page 20
  • Kaipātiki Local Board, page 20
  • Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, page 21
  • Manurewa Local Board, page 22
  • Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, page 22
  • Ōrākei Local Board, page 23
  • Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, page 24
  • Papakura Local Board, page 25
  • Puketāpapa Local Board, page 25
  • Rodney Local Board, page 26
  • Waiheke Local Board, page 27
  • Waitākere Ranges Local Board, page 27
  • Waitematā Local Board, page 28
  • Whau Local Board, page 28.]

Voice: The consultation document sets out a plan for each of the local boards. They will make decisions on the activities and services provided in their local area, within the available funding.

This could involve reprioritising spend to address the growing costs of running community facilities, or introducing a local services targeted rate to maintain service levels.

Where these changes might result in significant service level impacts, the Governing Body has options to assist with funding issues and this will be considered before any final decisions are made.

Your feedback will help local boards make informed decisions about where to prioritise funding.

[Video: The next screen shows an illustration of a balanced scale with dollar signs hanging from both sides. To the right of the scale is an illustration of a pink piggy bank with the text ‘savings’ and a hand slotting coins into it. Below this is text that reads, 'Getting the most out of every dollar'.]

Voice: In this annual plan, the council continues to focus on delivering its savings targets, which are $106 million for the year. That has helped keep the rates increase much lower than what it would otherwise have been.

We will also continue to carefully manage debt. The council funds long-term infrastructure assets, such as pipes, roads and libraries, by utilising debt to spread costs across the generations that use them.

The council’s financial strategy includes limits on borrowing and states that group debt remains below 270 per cent of group revenue with a target of being below 250 per cent. In 2026/2027, it is projected to be well below that, at 225 per cent.

[Video: The next screen shows a large white bubble with an illustration of a percentage sign in a small purple bubble with green and red arrows wrapping around the bubble in opposite directions. Under this is text that reads, 'A 7.9 per cent rates rise for average-value residential properties due mainly to CRL costs’.]

Voice: An overall rates increase of 7.9 per cent is planned for the average-value residential property. This is the same as was agreed for 2026 to 2027 in the LTP and is mainly due to the $235 million yearly cost to run and own the City Rail Link. The bulk of this is interest and depreciation costs for the council’s ownership share of the CRL.

[Video: The next screen has the heading, 'Estimated increases for residential ratepayers 2026/2027'. Below this are two tables showing the estimated increases in rates for residential and business properties according to their capital value (CV).

The table for estimated rates for residential properties shows illustrations of different sized houses reflecting the property's value and the following data:

  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $500,000 are:
    • 7 per cent, or
    • $154 a year, or
    • $2.97 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $750,000 are:
    • 7.4 per cent, or
    • $207 a year, or
    • $3.99 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $1.050 million (the median cv) are:
    • 7.7 per cent, or
    • $271 a year, or
    • $5.21 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $1.282 million (the average cv) are:
    • 7.9 per cent, or
    • $320 a year, or
    • $616 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $1.5 million are:
    • 8 per cent, or
    • $366 a year, or
    • $7.05 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $2 million are:
    • 8.2 per cent, or
    • $473 a year, or
    • $9.09 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $3 million are:
    • 8.5 per cent, or
    • $685 a year, or
    • $13.17 a week

The table for estimated rates for business properties shows illustrations of different sized shops reflecting the property's value and the following data:

  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $500,000 are:
    • 9.2 per cent, or
    • $326 a year, or
    • $6.26 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $750,000 are:
    • 9.4 per cent, or
    • $465 a year, or
    • $8.83 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $1.050 million (median cv) are:
    • 9.5 per cent, or
    • $631 a year, or
    • $12.14 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $1.5 million are:
    • 9.7 per cent, or
    • $881 a year, or
    • $16.95 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $2 million are:
    • 9.7 per cent, or
    • $1,159 a year, or
    • $22.29 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $3.886 million (average cv) are:
    • 9.8 per cent, or
    • $2,207 a year, or
    • $42.44 a week
  • estimated increases in rates for a property with a CV of $10 million are:
    • 9.9 per cent, or
    • $5,603 a year, or
    • $107.75 a week.]

Voice: For the average-value residential property the 7.9 per cent rates increase equals around $320 a year, or $6.16 a week. Not everyone will have the same increase. Rates vary based on the capital value of each property and the classification of a property (residential and business, either urban or rural, and farm or lifestyle). Individual properties might also be subject to specific targeted rates which could impact the overall rates change.

[Video: The next screen shows a blue arrow pointing down with text that says, 'See your online rates guide'. Below this is a link that says, 'akhaveyoursay.nz/ratesguide'. Underneath this link is an illustration of a green arrow and an orange arrow pointing in opposite directions wrapped around a percentage sign. To the left of this is an illustration of a hand tapping on a calculator.]

Voice: If you want to know the rates for a specific property, there is an online rates guide on the council website that provides estimated rates for each property in Auckland.

[Video: The next screen shows a big yellow speech bubble, with text that reads, 'AK HAVE YOUR SAY'.]

Voice: So, while we aren’t raising any big new issues in the annual plan, there is still plenty to have your say on.

[Video: The next screen has text that reads, 'Feedback form'. Under this is a heading that reads, 'Annual Plan 2026/2027', followed by another heading that reads, 'You can give feedback until 11:59pm on Sunday 29 March 2026'. Text below this reads, 'We recommend you read the consultation document before you leave feedback. Visit akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan or any council library for a copy of the document. We encourage you to give feedback online at akhaveyoursay.nz, or you can:

  • Scan and email your completed form to: akhaveyoursay@auckland.govt.nz
  • Post your completed form to: Annual Plan 2026/2027, Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Victoria Street West, Auckland, 1142.

On the top right of the screen is a yellow speech bubble, with text that reads, 'AK HAVE YOUR SAY'.]

Voice: Our consultation document includes a feedback form with some specific questions for you to consider. It’s in two sections.

First, we have four questions about the annual plan. Then we have two further questions about Auckland’s longer-term future. All questions are optional – you can answer all or any.

[Video: The next screen shows a heading that reads, 'Feedback form'. Under this is another heading that reads, 'Question 1: Our overall plan and proposed rates increases'. The text that follows says, 'Our Annual Plan 2026/2027 builds on the first two years of our Long-term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP). It focuses on continuing to strengthen our finances and Auckland’s physical resilience, while investing where it is needed most to meet the needs of our growing communities. In 2026/2027 that includes prioritising investment in:

  • transport
  • water
  • helping local boards respond to the need of their communities.]

[Video: The text continues with, 'This annual plan also proposes how we will pay for services and investments, including a 7.9 per cent rates increase for an average-value residential property. The increase in rates is mainly due to the $235 million yearly cost to run and own the City Rail Link, the bulk of which is interest and depreciation costs for the council’s share of CRL. Individual rates increases will vary by property type and value. Use our online rates guide to see your property.']

[Video: The next heading says, 'What do you think of the proposed annual plan?'. Below this question is a list of tick box options. From left to right, the options are:

  • Support all
  • Support most
  • Do not support most
  • Do not support any
  • I don’t know.

Below these options is the text, 'Tell us why'.]

Voice: The first question is about the overall plan. This is where you can give feedback about the proposed overall rates increase and our investment priorities.

[Video: The next screen shows the heading, 'Feedback form'. Under this is another heading that says, 'Question 2: Changes to other rates, fees and charges'. Under this is text that says, 'Besides the 7.9 per cent rates increase for an average-value residential property, the annual plan includes changes to a range of other rates, fees and charges. These include introduction of a refuse bin/bag exchange fee, changes to the Kingsland and Onehunga BID programme areas, Waitākere Rural Sewerage Scheme and an Auckland Transport proposal to increase residential parking permit fees in specific areas. Refer to pages 30-32 of the consultation document for information about proposed changes to rates, fees and charges'.

Next is more text that reads,' What do you think about these proposed changes? (Please let us know the specific changes to other rates, fees and charges you are commenting on.)'

Under this is it says, 'Tell us why'.]

Voice: Question two is about changes to other rates, fees and charges. These include changes to the Waitakere Rural Sewerage Scheme and the Rodney and Te Arai District Drainage schemes. They also include adjusting some fees and charges for services in line with inflation, and other area-specific services such as residential parking permits operated by Auckland Transport.

[Video: The next screen has the heading, 'Feedback form'. Under this is another heading that says, 'Question 3: Local board priorities', and text that says, 'For more information, read pages 16-29 of the consultation document. You can find out your local board at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/about-auckland-coun....'

Below this, text says, '3A. Which local board does your feedback relate to?' Under this, text says, '3B. What do you think of the options for your local board area in 2026/2027?' Below this question is a list of tick box options. The options are:

  • Support all
  • Support most
  • Do not support most
  • Do not support any
  • I don’t know.

Under these options, text reads, 'Tell us why'.]

Voice: Question three is about local board priorities and options.

[Video: The next screen has the heading, 'Feedback form'. Under this is another heading that says, 'Question 4: Other feedback'. Next, it says, 'Do you have any other comments on the Annual Plan 2026/2027?' and, 'Including the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Operational Plan 2026/2027 (page 33 of the consultation document)?']

Voice: Question four is where you can give feedback on any other aspect of the annual plan, including the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Operational Plan.

[Video: The next page has the heading, 'Feedback form' and another bolded heading that says, 'Looking further ahead / shaping Auckland’s longer-term future'. Next, text reads, 'Now we want your feedback on longer-term priorities that will help shape the city over time. We are planning some discussions for next year to inform plans and strategies to shape Auckland’s future. These include (but aren’t limited to):

  • regional transport plans
  • water service strategies
  • Auckland’s spatial plan
  • our 2027 to 2037 Long-term Plan, which sets funding for regional and local priorities listed below.'

Text below says, We will continue to invest and deliver in all our investment areas, but we want to understand your priorities.']

Voice: We also want your feedback on longer-term priorities that will help shape the city over time. We are planning some discussions for next year (that’s 2027) to inform plans and strategies to shape Auckland’s future. These include, but aren’t limited to:

  • regional transport plans
  • water service strategies
  • Auckland’s spatial plan, and
  • our 2027 to 2037 long-term plan, which sets funding for a range of regional and local priorities listed.

To help inform that, the mayor and councillors are asking all Aucklanders about priorities and potential trade-offs for that planning.

[Video: The next screen has the heading, 'Feedback form.' Under this is another heading that says, 'Question 5: Which areas are most important to you over the long term? Please rank these areas from one (most important) to six (least important).'

The areas are listed below. They are:

  • Economic development and events - growing Auckland’s economy and supporting events, tourism and creative industries.
  • Local parks, community and recreation services - local parks, sports fields and other physical recreation services, libraries, community centres and services, and funding community-led initiatives
  • Planning and infrastructure to manage growth - planning how and where Auckland grows, rebuilding urban centres, improving infrastructure and coordinating land-use with public services
  • Regional parks and environment - looking after Auckland’s natural areas, streams, coastal zones and cultural heritage, reducing waste and supporting community-led environmental projects
  • Transport - roads, public transport, walking and cycling, and making it easier, safer and more sustainable for people to move around
  • Flood resilience - reducing flood risks, upgrading stormwater systems and protecting waterways.'

Under the list is the text, 'What specific council activities or services do you most want us to prioritise, and why?'

Voice: We’ll continue to invest and deliver services and activities across a range of areas, but we want to understand your priorities. So we’re asking which type, or area, of investment you think we should prioritise. And, we’d like you to consider any specific activities and services you think should be most prioritised.

[Video: The next screen has the heading, 'Feedback form'. Under this is another heading that says, 'Question 6: City Centre' and texts that reads, 'Auckland’s City Centre is the economic heart of our region. Overall, the city centre accounts for about a fifth of everything produced in Auckland’s economy. We want to make public spaces work better for people, get more value from major investments in transport and make sure council helps the city centre thrive as a place to live, work, study and visit.'

Under this is the heading, 'What improvements do you think we should prioritise in the city centre? (select up to 5)'.

Next is a list of tick box options. The options are:

  • 'Better connections - improve links between the city centre, the waterfront and nearby neighbourhoods'
  • 'Events and city life - attract people to the city centre through events, culture and a strong sense of place'
  • 'Getting around - make it easier to walk, drive, cycle and use public transport in the city centre and from east to west, including better traffic flow'
  • 'Māori identity and culture - reflect and celebrate Māori identity and culture throughout the city centre'
  • 'Safety - safer and more welcoming city centre, both day and night, for residents, workers and visitors'
  • 'Streets and public spaces - improve streets, parks and public spaces so the city centre is a great place to live and spend time in'
  • 'Supporting businesses - help businesses succeed by making them easier to access and attract more visitors to the city with well-designed streets and public spaces'
  • 'Other - please specify'.

At the bottom of the screen, bold text says, 'Have more to say? You can attach extra pages.'

The top right of the screen shows a map of part of central Auckland, with a black outline of the city centre area.]

Voice: We also want your feedback on the future of Auckland’s city centre. This is the economic heart of the region, producing about one-fifth of Auckland’s total economic output. We want to make city centre public spaces work better for people, get more value from major investments in transport and make sure council support helps the city centre thrive as a place to live, work, study and visit. So we are interested in your feedback about which investments should be prioritised in the city centre.

[Video: The next screen has the heading, 'Consultation timeline' below a blue arrow. Underneath the heading is a blue rectangle with a grid and a timeline bar. The timeline reads from left to right:

  • ‘Public consultation - 27 February to 29 March 2026. This is when you can have your say.'
  • 'Deliberations - The Governing Body and local boards will consider public feedback.'
  • 'Adoption of Annual Plan 2026/2027 - By 30 June 2026. Governing Body adopts the final Annual Plan 2026/2027.'

Above the timeline is a yellow speech bubble with the text, 'AK HAVE YOUR SAY'.]

Voice: So, that’s what we’re consulting on, and our consultation runs from 27 February to 29 March 2026. You’re welcome to provide us with your feedback about our proposals within these dates. The Governing Body and local boards will consider your feedback and then adopt the final annual plan in late June.

[Video: The next screen has the heading, 'Ways to have your say'. Under this, text reads, 'To have your say on these issues or anything in the budget that is important to you, you can:

Below this text says, 'Feedback must be received by Sunday 29 March. Final decisions will be made in June 2026 and the final budget will be available on aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.'

On the top right-hand corner of the screen is a yellow speech bubble with the text, 'AK HAVE YOUR SAY'.]

Voice: There are plenty of ways to have your say: You can go online, you can visit a library for further information, or you can phone us.

[Video: The next screen shows the 'We’re getting on with it' banner with an illustration of five-cartoon people. The third person is holding a half dome-shaped sign with landmark symbols that represent Auckland’s landscape, along with text that reads 'Our Plan'.]

Voice: Thanks in advance for having your say on our annual plan. We’re getting on with it, but there is much more to do.

[Video: The next screen shows an animation of the Auckland Council pōhutukawa logo and the website link: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz].

Back to previous page.