Final Call For Aucklanders: Share Your Feedback On Council’s Annual Plan

Thursday, 27 March 2025, 9:41 pm
Article: Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter

Aucklanders 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 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 covers July 2025 to June 2026, also introduces initiatives like 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.

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 new fees for services like 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.

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 benefitted over 20,000 Aucklanders.

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

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

The council is working on a fairer funding model for local boards, set to take effect from July 1, 2025.

But there are concerns 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.

© Scoop Media

Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.