Final days to have your say on Auckland City's Annual Plan 2026/2027

Aucklanders risk being left out of decisions on rates, services and local funding, particularly in South Auckland, as consultation on the city's annual plan closes this Sunday, a councillor says.

The Annual Plan 2026/2027 outlines how the council will spend billions of dollars over the next year, including a proposed 7.9 per cent rates increase and major investment in infrastructure and essential services.

It includes $3.9 billion for infrastructure and $5.3 billion for services such as public transport, libraries, pools and waste collection.

Lotu Fuli, Manukau ward councillor, said while the consultation gives Aucklanders a direct say, many communities are not taking part at a critical time.

“These are the plans that shape what Auckland will look like in the future. So this is our opportunity, from kids as young as one all the way up to our mamas and papas in their 80s and 90s.

"It’s their opportunity, everyone’s opportunity to tell us, the council, your elected members, local board and governing body, what areas we should be focusing on, where we should be spending your rates,” she said.

Library hours and services are among the potential trade-offs under Auckland Council’s proposed budget. Photo/File.

“I know that our people are feeling like consultation fatigue… but it’s really important that people have their say.”

Auckland Council doesn't hear from a lot of young people, Māori and Pasifika, and communities in Manukau, Fuli said.

“You can go to the library, you can do it online. If you want to make a video, if you just want to do a post, all of those things will be counted.”

Pools are among the services residents are being asked to weigh up as part of Auckland Council’s annual plan consultation. Photo/File.

Fuli said the choices are not straightforward, with several Auckland local boards facing funding shortfalls and tough trade-offs.

If the shortfall is a million dollars, cuts could be made to libraries, swimming pool opening hours, or they could look at a targeted rate, Fuli said.

“If you don’t agree with any of those, write that down," she said.

Alf Filipaina, Manuaku ward councillor, said the decisions being made through the Annual Plan will have long-term consequences for communities already under pressure.

Manukau ward councillors Alf Filipaina and Lotu Fuli are urging Aucklanders to have their say on the annual plan before consultation closes. Photo/Apulu Reece Autagavaia.

“We’ve got some big issues coming up with the annual plan and then later on with the long-term plan,” he said. “Have your say… because there are big money stuff that we have to put out to our community for them to have a say.

He urged people to take part in the consultation, despite the cost of living and rising fuel prices putting pressure on families.

Budget and Performance Committee chair Greg Sayers said public feedback plays a key role in shaping decisions.

“This is one of the best opportunities to help elected representatives with decision-making.”

Aucklanders can visit the council’s consultation website, akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan, before feedback closes at 11.59 pm this Sunday.

Residents can submit their views online, attend in-person events across the region, or share feedback in different formats, including written submissions, audio or video recordings.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.