Choose your future: How to make Auckland work for you

Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 takes effect in July and basically determines the council’s services, activities and investments, and how it will pay for them. 

The council wants your feedback on its overall plan for the year, plans for your local community (there are 21 local boards that invest in local priorities), changes to rates, fees and charges, and planning input on the future of Auckland. 

Key things to know about the plan: 

• The investment prioritises transport, water and local boards (to respond to their communities’ needs).

• A major highlight is the expected start of the City Rail Link (CRL).

• There is a 7.9% rates increase (for the average value residential property). The CRL is the main driver of the rates increase, as it comes into the council’s budget for next year.

• All of Auckland’s 21 local board plans are outlined for feedback – enabling all Aucklanders to see exactly what is planned in their community.

• The region’s long-term future is also up for input – helping the council’s upcoming planning.

• There are some proposed changes to targeted rates, fees and charges for various council services.

Low on spoons? No problem.

You can put in as much, or as little, feedback as you like. 

Auckland Council head of financial strategy and reporting, Michael Burns, said there is value in every submission, whether it’s simply selecting tick-boxes or providing written comments. 

“All responses, whether detailed or brief, are formally recorded and included in the consultation analysis and reporting,” says Michael. “We know people are time-poor and written responses can be a barrier, and therefore we encourage Aucklanders to provide feedback as it suits them, and on the topics they’re most interested in.”

The classic way to go about it is to check out the Consultation Document. It’s worth checking out the overview info at the front and what major projects are in your area, by viewing the Local Board section. 

You can give feedback online or at the end of the consultation document. Check out ways to have your say at akhaveyoursay.nz/feedback. 

Ways to understand the proposal

Translated summaries of the consultation document and the feedback form are also available in te reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language videos, Easy Read, Large Print, Braille, Korean, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Samoan, Tongan and Hindi.

You can download them or request them from libraries and council service locations, emailing akhaveyoursay@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or calling 09 301 0101. 

You can also request a one-to-one call with Auckland Council staff at a time that suits you to go through the consultation information and give feedback at your own pace.

If you prefer the opportunity to ask questions from the comfort of your home, you can join an online drop-in session on March 18 at 6.30pm. You can register here in advance. 

Ways to give your feedback: 

• Provide feedback online at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan

• Complete the feedback form which you can get at the back of the consultation document or request from council libraries and local board offices, and send it back to the freepost address: Annual Plan, Auckland Council, Freepost Authority 182382, Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142, or scan it and email to akhaveyoursay@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

• Attending face-to-face events across Tāmaki Makaurau.

• Attending 1 of 3 low sensory drop in sessions which are quieter and in low lighting, with staff to support where needed. 

• Submitting a video or audio recording of your feedback (only supports English). 

• Play the ‘pick your priorities’ game. 

However you do it, just make sure you get your feedback in before consultations close on Sunday 29 March. 

Can’t I just leave it to someone else?

You could, but everyone’s experiences and circumstances can be very different. What matters most to someone else may not reflect your priorities, which is why it’s important to have a range of voices taking part. 

Only you know what makes Auckland a good place for you to live. Your perspective as a disabled person may lead to changes that improve accessibility for more than just yourself, and that help shape the future of Auckland for all Aucklanders.

This article was written in paid partnership with Auckland Council.