Auckland Council has delivered more than $600 million in financial benefits for ratepayers over the past three years, the largest savings recorded in any council term.

The $608 million total includes $418 million in direct savings, $96 million from the sale of unused assets, and $94 million through improved procurement.

Without these savings, residential rates would have been around 7 per cent higher this year.

Mayor Wayne Brown called the result “fantastic news” and said it showed his commitment to stop wasting ratepayer money.

He pointed to the Better Value Projects programme, launched earlier this year, which has already saved $5 million.

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, who chairs the Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, said the result exceeded the council’s target by $44 million.

“Aucklanders expect us to maximise every dollar, and this shows we’ve been able to do that,” she said.

For Hibiscus Coast residents, the savings matter because they help keep rates down while still funding local infrastructure, amenities, and essential services.

Council says non-rates revenue has also been kept above 60 per cent of income, further easing pressure on households.

The council confirmed savings were made through cost efficiencies, value-for-money projects, and growth in non-rates revenue such as consents, leasing, and dividends.

Council’s chief financial officer Ross Tucker said the focus now is to continue “implementing enduring savings initiatives” to ensure ongoing financial sustainability.

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