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Consultation has opened for Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2025/2026.
The annual plan, which takes effect from July 1, 2025, outlines the council’s spending priorities and how they will be funded in the next financial year. Consultation is open until March 28, 11.59pm.
Proposed rates increases
The council proposes an overall rates increase of 5.8 per cent for the average-value residential property in 2025/2026, which equates to approximately $223 per year or $4.29 per week. The increase includes:
• A 3.3 per cent rise in the targeted rate for waste collection.
• An average general rates increase of 6.4 per cent for existing ratepayers.
• An average 3.5 per cent increase in the Natural Environment Targeted Rate and Climate Action Transport Targeted Rate.
• An average increase of $2.12 per week for the Water Quality Targeted Rate.
For business properties, the council aims to maintain the 31 per cent share of general rates paid by businesses, resulting in an expected increase of 6.8 per cent. This equates to around $27.08 per week or $1,408.17 per year for the average-value business property.
Property revaluations underway
Auckland Council is currently conducting its three-yearly property revaluations, which will impact rates in the 2025/2026 financial year. The updated valuations will determine how much individual ratepayers will contribute. However, the exact impact on rates will not be known until the new valuations are released later this year.
Investment in Hibiscus and Bays Local Board area
In 2025/2026, the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board is set to receive $17.2 million in capital spending to renew and develop assets, alongside $28.6 million in operating funds to maintain and operate these assets. Additional funding of $1.3 million in operating expenditure and $800,000 in capital costs is included under the council’s ‘fairer funding for local boards’ model, but some of this may be needed to cover increased service costs.
Key initiatives in the area include:
• Supporting youth networks to give young people a voice in local decision-making.
• Restoring waterways and uncovering buried streams to protect natural resources.
• Enhancing parks, reserves, and sports fields for all residents.
• Strengthening local business associations to support economic development.
• Investing in climate change resilience through initiatives like the Urban Ngahere (Forest) Strategy.
• Contributing funding towards a vision and future plan for North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct.
Proposed ‘bed night’ visitor levy
A key proposal in the plan is the introduction of a ‘bed night’ visitor levy, aimed at funding major events and promoting Auckland as a visitor destination. If approved, visitors staying in short-term accommodation such as hotels and bed and breakfasts would pay an additional charge of 2.5 to 3 per cent per night. The levy could generate approximately $27 million annually, but its implementation depends on central government legislation, which has yet to be approved.
Funding major events
The council’s Long-term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034 committed to continuing support for cultural festivals, but an additional $7 million is needed in 2025/2026 to fund major events such as the Auckland Marathon, Auckland Writers Festival, and ASB Classic.
Community drop-in session
Residents are invited to a drop-in session at Whangaparāoa Library to discuss the proposed annual plan with the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board team. The session will be held on Friday, March 14, from 10.30am to 12pm at Whangaparāoa Library, 9 Main Street, Whangaparāoa. For more information or to read the Annual Plan 2025/2026 consultation document, visit: akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/annual-plan-2025-2026/plans-your-local-board-area/hibiscus-bays
