Auckland Council has opened consultation on its Annual Plan 2026/2027, with feedback closing Sunday, March 29.

Every year the council consults with the community on its annual plan.

Aucklanders are being asked to review the proposed budget for 2026/2027 and share their feedback before councillors agree the final plan that will be underway from 1 July.

Mayor Wayne Brown says the 2026/2027 budget is about “continuing to do things better, faster, cheaper to minimise the impact on ratepayers and continue boosting performance across the council.”

He says a major focus is transport reform, with a new public transport service provider and other transport functions brought into the council.

“Deliver smarter services, maintain what we have, and get more from every asset,” he says.

The Annual Plan 2026/2027 continues the council’s focus on strengthening Auckland’s physical and financial resilience, prioritising transport, water and enabling local boards to respond to their communities’ needs.

The plan includes $3.9 billion for new capital infrastructure projects across Auckland and $5.3 billion for continuing essential services such as pools, libraries, animal management, public transport and waste collection.

The council is planning an overall rates increase of 7.9 per cent for 2026/2027 for the average value residential property, as previously agreed in the Long-term Plan 2024-2034.

It says the City Rail Link is the main driver for the rates increase as the council manages additional City Rail Link costs in its budget.

For the average household, annual rates are proposed to rise by around $320 next year, from $4055 in 2025/2026 to $4375 in 2026/2027.

That is about $6.16 more per week, based on an average $1.28m capital value residential property.

The plan also includes a savings target of $106 million for 2026/2027.

This includes an additional $20 million on the existing target.

The council says the $106 million equates to 3.5 per cent of rates.

Auckland Council group chief financial officer Ross Tucker says the annual plan outlines priorities region-wide and locally through all 21 local boards, including local board activities and services planned for each area.

Targeted rates and fees are also included.

Among proposed fee updates is the Auckland Transport residential parking permit, with the annual $70 fee proposed to increase to $114 per year.

Aucklanders can give feedback at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.

Consultation closes 11.59pm Sunday, March 29.

Get the Hibiscus Coast headlines first.

Corrections, tips, or photos, [email protected]