Final call, Aucklanders: Share your feedback on council's Annual Plan

AucAucklanders are encouraged to give feedback on the city council's proposed 2025/2026 Annual Plan before the consultation closes on Friday.

Mayor Wayne Brown emphasises community input to guide the Auckland Council's spending decisions.

Apulu Reece Autagavaia, chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board, says there is a need for South Auckland communities, particularly Māori and Pasifika, to share their views as other demographics may dominate the feedback.

“I know everyone's busy with life – trying to pay bills, get kids to school, and all that – but if we don't have our say, then other demographics, other communities will have their say, and they will have a bigger influence over the decisions because they're the only ones that will be heard,” Apulu says.

“If people do have time, please consider giving some thought to the feedback.

"There are a lot of questions in there that will impact our community, and so it's important that our Māori, Pacific, and South Auckland communities give their feedback in the annual plan.”

Key topics for feedback include funding for events, marketing to attract visitors, a proposed 5.8 per cent rates increase, and a visitor levy to support major events.

The plan, which spans from July 2025 to June 2026, also introduces initiatives such as the $20 million ‘Fix and Finish’ Fund for community projects.

It also outlines a phased approach to implementing fairer funding for local boards, ensuring they better meet community needs.

Aucklanders have until 11.59pm on Friday, 28 March 2025, to have their say on the proposed changes. Photo/Auckland Council

The annual plan’s decisions will impact local services, and there is a need for effective community engagement and consultation methods moving forward.

Changes to rates, fees, and services include adjustments to refuse collection in specific areas and the introduction of new fees for services such as dog adoption and cemetery services.

Apulu says that last year, the 10-year budget was finalised and is now in place, but it will be reviewed in three years, providing another opportunity for consultation.

This is the final call for Aucklanders to have their say on what will help to shape the city over the next year. Photo/Auckland Council Facebook

He says that discussions are ongoing about finding more effective ways to gather feedback, with regional teams within the council exploring improved methods for community engagement.

Another significant initiative is the introduction of a capped $50 weekly public transport pass, launched in 2024, which has already benefited over 20,000 Aucklanders.

This raises the question of whether the initiative is adequately serving South Auckland residents, particularly Pacific families who heavily rely on public transport.

The plan also reaffirms the council’s commitment to continue funding cultural festivals, which are particularly important to Pasifika communities, thereby ensuring support for events that celebrate heritage and diversity.

The council is developing a fairer funding model for local boards, which is scheduled to take effect from 1 July 2025. But concerns remain about the potential cost pressures that may affect local services if local boards are unable to address the $17.6 million deficit.

Ross Tucker, Chief Financial Officer for Auckland, says, "The Annual Plan is about getting on with what was agreed in the Long-term Plan... We are prioritising investment in transport, water, and fairer funding for local communities."

The Annual Plan 2025/2026 Consultation Document is available online at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan. The feedback window closes at 11.59pm on 28 March. Have your say here.

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