Auckland Council adopts its Annual Plan 2025-2026
Auckland Council adopted its Annual Plan from 1 July – continuing with Long-term Plan priorities and actioning 21 local board agreements.
Following public consultation in March, when 13,000 Aucklanders provided feedback, Auckland Council will now begin delivering on its Annual Plan for 2025/2026.
The plan continues with a strong focus on getting on with delivering on the priorities and investments in the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 adopted last year and the investments included in year two.
“Today’s adoption shows we are adhering to the plan from the Long-term Plan and, in this economic context, that’s something to celebrate,” says Mayor Wayne Brown.
“I’m proud we are sticking to our ambitious savings targets, with a significant level of investment in critical infrastructure, while keeping rate rises the lowest of any metro council in New Zealand.”
The Annual Plan 2025/2026 sets out Auckland Council’s services and investments for the year and how the council intends to pay for and deliver them. This includes confirming a 5.8 per cent rates increase for the average value residential property (around $223 a year, or $4.29 a week).
Continued focus on value
Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson said the council remains focused on delivering value to ratepayers, through the council’s long-term plan priorities.
“Our primary focus is to strengthen Auckland financially and physically, while continuing to invest where it’s needed to manage the region’s forecast growth,” says Mr Wilson. “This means we will continue to invest in our priority areas like transport, community, the natural environment and our built environment.
“Over the next 12 months, $4.3 billion will be invested in roads, pipes and transport infrastructure to further improve services to Aucklanders and build a more resilient region.
“The capital investment is supported by significant $5.1 billion operating spend to continue delivering services such as parks, libraries and cultural events.”
The $4.3 billion of capital investment in long-term infrastructure is supported by $1.7 billion in additional debt. The council uses debt in a prudent and sustainable way to spread the cost of capital investment across the generations that will use the assets this investment creates.
Regional investment
At regional level, the council plans to revitalise underused land and acquire areas for parks and open spaces. The council will also continue the final stages of the City Rail Link and Central Interceptor.
“All areas of Auckland – whether you’re north, south, east or west – will see investment into local facilities and community services. In some areas, that includes water services and community facility refurbishments, and in others it might be parks, roads and commuter services. Or, all of the above,” says Mr Wilson.
Each of the 21 local boards have a plan of priorities for their community, for the year ahead.
This Annual Plan begins to address the funding imbalances between the 21 local boards which enables them to better respond to the needs of their communities. Local boards provide a wide range of services such as local parks, libraries, pools, community facilities, and local art and environment activities, along with community events.
Aucklanders are encouraged to check out what the Annual Plan 2025/2026 means for them, from 1 July 2025.
Supporting information
What’s in this year’s Annual Plan?
Transport delivers a comprehensive programme of investments to help reduce congestion, improve public transport, cycle lanes and footpaths, address safety issues and improve resilience to natural events.
In 2025/2026, transport will receive $1.7 billion of capital funding and $1.7 billion operating spend.
Highlight projects:
- work with the government to develop a 30-year Auckland Integrated Transport Plan
- progress the Eastern Busway between Pakuranga and Botany
- support the City Rail Link opening in 2026
- deliver key infrastructure including renewing assets such as footpaths, roads, bridges, decarbonising ferries and road safety.
Water investment delivers drinking water, wastewater (through Watercare) and region-wide stormwater (through the council). This year, Watercare will continue upgrading or replacing water supply and wastewater networks, and reduce wastewater overflows in conjunction with the council’s stormwater unit.
In 2025/2026 the total investment into water will be $1.25 billion into capital projects and $850 million for operating costs.
Highlight projects:
- stormwater investment for flood resilience and recovery work, and increasing capacity to meet the region’s growing needs
- replacing the water supply in Huia and Nihotupu
- completing the Snells Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade
- wastewater upgrade in the city centre’s midtown area.
Built environment focuses on how we build and develop supporting infrastructure, give regulatory oversight and respond to government direction to enable the building of new homes, the creation of walkable, well-connected low-carbon communities, and the attraction of investment.
In 2025/2026 there will be $118 million capital spend and $90 million operating costs.
Highlight projects:
- infrastructure investment in the Auckland Housing Programme areas of Mangere, Tamaki and Mt Roskill
- progress a masterplan to develop the central wharves into a public space and align cruise/ferry services with port operations
- continue to regenerate neighbourhoods such as Takapuna, Northcote, Maungawhau, Henderson, Avondale, Manukau and Pukekohe
- set-up the Auckland Urban Development Office.
Natural environment protects Auckland’s natural environment. In 2025/2026, there will be $67 million invested into capital projects and $721 million into operating costs.
Highlight projects:
- deliver on the Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030 and continue pest, animal and pathogen control plans through the Natural Environment Targeted Rate
- coordinate and implement kauri dieback management
- increase surveillance and monitoring of existing and emerging marine pests, like exotic Caulerpa seaweed
- complete standardisation of kerbside rubbish collection service by introducing rates-funded collections in Franklin and Rodney.
Community delivers fit-for-purpose assets and services that support community wellbeing. 2025/2026 will see $385 million invested into capital projects and $865 million into operating costs.
Highlight projects:
- increased funding for local boards, enabling better response to local needs
- increase the Sports and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund to improve sports facilities
- improve community safety through safety hubs in the city centre and compliance wardens across the city
- improve resourcing for animal control services and increase capacity at shelters.
Economic and cultural development initiatives promote Auckland, including destination marketing and major events, along with arts, sports, live performances and events. Next year, $74 million will be invested in capital projects and $214 million into operating costs.
Highlights include:
- continuing to advocate for a ‘bed night visitor levy’ to fund major events and destination marketing. The plan includes several interim funding sources to temporarily close the $7 million per year funding for events, without increasing the rates burden. However, a more sustainable long-term solution still needs to be found. .
- holding iconic cultural events such as Pasifika, Diwali and the Lantern Festival
- support international and domestic events including musicals, concerts and exhibitions
- develop a Stadium Investment Plan to guide decisions for the regional stadium network.
Well-managed local government is an investment area that supports the council to deliver services and elected representatives to make decisions. In 2025/2026, there will be a $692 million spent in each of capital projects and operating spend.
Highlights include:
- supporting the Auckland Future Fund to achieve long-term average annual returns of 7.24 per cent
- invest across seven Ora outcome areas that reflect Maori aspirations. This includes the ongoing Marae Infrastructure Programme and grants to improve the capacity of mana whenua and mataawaka to engage in council decision-making. All the council’s investment areas contribute to these outcomes.
- progress toward the council’s savings targets, aiming for an additional $47 million in savings bringing the total savings for 2025/2026 to $86 million
- continue acceleration of Group Shared Services and consolidation of service functions to reduce duplication in council organisations.
Aucklanders are encouraged to check out what the Annual Plan 2025/2026 means for them, from 1 July 2025.