Auckland Council approves budget with 7.9% rates rise

The council has signed off on a budget featuring a 7.9% average rates increase and $106 million in operating cost cuts.

Reviewed by Rakai 3 July 2026

Auckland Council has given final approval to its budget and rates settings, with average rates increasing 7.9%.

The budget includes $106 million in operating cost reductions in the next financial year. Councillors voted 14-7 in May to proceed with the budget proposed by Mayor Wayne Brown.

Brown defended the rates increase, saying investment in the city is necessary and that other councils are deferring costs and creating problems for future generations.