Mayor Wayne Brown has unveiled his Draft Mayoral Proposal for Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2025-26, outlining significant reforms to council-controlled organisations (CCOs) that he had committed to during his 2022 mayoral campaign.

The proposal aims to address issues such as a lack of democratic accountability, inefficiency, and wasteful spending within the current CCO model.

“I was clear when I ran for mayor that I would take back control of council organisations and make them democratically accountable,” Mayor Brown said.

“Aucklanders voted for CCO reform, and they expect us to get on with the job.”

The proposed changes seek to improve the way Auckland Council functions by enhancing accountability, eliminating inefficiencies, and strengthening decision-making processes.

CCOs currently absorb more than half of Auckland’s $6.4 billion annual budget and manage two-thirds of the region’s publicly owned assets, valued at nearly $47 billion.

The mayor hopes that restructuring will help restore public trust, improve cost-effectiveness, and reduce service duplication funded by ratepayers.

Among the key reforms, Mayor Brown suggests bringing urban regeneration and property management services back under council control, which would result in the disbandment of Eke Panuku Development Auckland.

He also proposes consolidating economic development, destination marketing, and major events under the council, while retaining the trust structure of Auckland Unlimited to manage regional facilities like the Auckland Art Gallery and Auckland Zoo.

For Auckland Transport (AT), the mayor has made progress in discussions with central government to restore democratic oversight.

While full structural changes to AT will require new legislation, immediate steps will include transferring some of its back-office functions to Auckland Council control.

The draft proposal, which has been informed by public input, will be discussed in a workshop with the council’s Budget Committee this week.

A final decision on the changes will be made in December, with implementation following once the final proposal is adopted.

The full Draft Mayoral Proposal is available on the Auckland Council website.