Annual and long-term plan (budget) process

Draft mayoral proposal

The draft mayoral proposal is a significant part of the process to develop and adopt our annual and long-term plans. It outlines the mayor’s vision and priorities for Auckland's annual or long-term plan. It is usually published in late November each year.

Visit Mayoral Proposal for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 (annual budget) to learn what the mayor is proposing for this annual plan.

Political consideration and decision-making

The Governing Body discusses the draft mayoral proposal at Budget Committee workshops in December each year. During these workshops they:

• adopt the mayoral proposal, which might include changes to the draft proposal
• decide on the topics for public consultation
• contribute to the development of the proposed annual or long-term plan with advice from council staff.

Public consultation

Public consultation is a process where the public is invited to provide feedback on specific issues or proposed policies.

Consultation for our annual and long-term plans usually runs from late February to late March each year.

Visit Annual Plan 2025/2026 (annual budget) between 28 February and 28 March 2025 to leave your feedback on our proposals for the Annual Plan 2025/2026.

Consultation feedback considered

Between April and May each year, elected members of the Governing Body consider the consultation feedback and the mayor develops a final proposal for the annual or long-term plan.

Governing Body approval

The Governing Body approves the proposed plan at a Budget Committee meeting in May each year.

Annual and long-term plan adoption

The Governing Body will usually adopt the final annual or long-term plan at the end of June each year. The plan will then take effect from 1 July, the first day of the new financial year.