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.

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.