How your rates bill is built
Three parts: a fixed charge, a value-based charge, and targeted rates.
Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC)
A fixed charge per separately used property. Same for everyone.
Value-based general rate
Capital value × a rate-in-the-dollar. Different for residential and business. Higher value pays more.
Targeted rates
Specific charges for specific purposes. Full list below.
For every $100 of rates (2026/2027)
Transport$37
Community$28
Natural environment$13
Water (mainly stormwater)$8
Economic & cultural development$6
Well-managed local government$6
Built environment$2
Proportions shift slightly each year. Transport and Community consistently take the largest shares.
What the general rate funds
LibrariesPools & leisure centresParks & reservesSports fieldsPublic transportLocal roads & footpathsStormwaterCommunity facilities
How rates have increased over time
The 2026/27 jump is an outlier driven by City Rail Link costs.
| Rating year | Avg increase | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026/2027 | 7.9% | Largest in over a decade. Driven mainly by City Rail Link costs (~$235m/yr). |
| 2025/2026 | 5.8% | - |
| 2024/2025 | ~6.8-7.5% | First year of the 2024-2034 Long-term Plan. |
| Longer term | ~4.5% avg / yr | Typical household rates rose ~85% from Super City (2010) to 2024/25. |
- From 2027/28 the Long-term Plan caps average increases at 3.5%/yr.
- Rates revenue has nearly doubled since 2010; the typical bill rose ~85%.
The main targeted rates
Specific charges for specific work. Tap to expand.
Key facts
- Rates are roughly 40% of Auckland Council's total income.
- Business properties pay 31% of general rates plus WQTR, NETR and CATTR.
- The 2026/27 jump is driven mainly by owning and operating the City Rail Link.
- Watercare water and wastewater charges are separate from rates.
- Rates have risen faster than inflation over the Super City period.
What to do next
Engage with the decisions behind the bill
Open question hubsThe structured questions behind Auckland's spending and rates.Find fundingGrants for clubs, community groups and facilities across Tāmaki Makaurau.Understand the councilHow Auckland Council, its committees and CCOs actually decide.Contact your local boardCouncillors, local boards and council service contacts in one place.
Based on Auckland Council Annual Plan 2026/2027 and Long-term Plan 2024-2034. Always check your own rates notice for exact amounts.