City Counselling w/ Julie Fairey: 5th March, 2026

Auckland Council’s annual plan is currently in consultation, open until Sunday 29th of March. The plan focuses on two key areas for Auckland Council - public transport and water infrastructure.

The public transport element is particularly focused on the opening of the City Rail Link, which council says will massively boost public transport capacity and connectivity across Auckland. The operational costs of the CRL, among other reasons, will contribute to an 8% rates increase for the average-value residential property in 2026/2027. 

The water infrastructure upgrades are also significant, as they follow years of countrywide water infrastructure neglect. As wastewater issues are seen across the country in recent weeks and months, Auckland Transport is looking to make infrastructure upgrades to avoid similar scenarios. 

This past week has also seen the government propose move-on orders for rough sleepers in cities across the country. The move-on orders have been criticised by some, who say they unnecessarily punish our most vulnerable populations. 

For City Counselling this week, News Director Castor spoke to Councillor Julie Fairey about each of these issues, beginning with the annual plan.