Time to have your say

• By Alan Cole, Franklin Local Board chair

Your feedback is needed on Auckland’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 (akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan), now open for consultation until Sunday, March 29.

Why should you bother? Because we need to know if we’re on the right track. This year’s plan proposes a 7.9 per cent increase in rates for the average-value residential property – driven by continued pressure on operating budgets and significant costs of delivering the City Rail Link (CRL), expected to open this year.

While this increase won’t surprise many, don’t be caught out by the average figure; the actual change will depend on your property’s value. Check the online rates guide (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/property-rates-valuations/proposed-2026-2027.html) to see what it means for you.

And if you’re thinking, what’s the CRL got to do with us out here in Franklin – we’re actually among the main benefactors. Thanks to previous budgets, we now have three new
train stations and park and ride services nearly ready to operate. The CRL will bring the city and its economic opportunities closer to us, offering more convenient options and journeys without transfers. Better transport options potentially mean fewer cars on the road and with that, improved environmental outcomes.

Is it working for you? What do you want to see in the next plan?

In Franklin, $10.9 million is allocated to improve and develop community facilities, parks and sports fields. And $26.1 million is set aside to run services like community centres, libraries, parks and community and environmental programmes and events.

Last year, your feedback highlighted the need for better community services in East Franklin, which has resulted in good progress on the Beachlands Community Hub.

For this year’s plan, we’re proposing to:

• Develop a sports park in Papahua (Belmont Fields) and a community hub in Pukekohe.
• Progress options for safety and environmental restoration at Karioitahi Beach.
• Deliver stages 1, 2, and 4 of the Clevedon Village Heart plan to upgrade the Clevedon Hall site.

We also plan to progress:

• Work on the Paparata local purpose reserve (Bombay) concept plan.
• Investigate development options at reserves in Clarks Beach to meet the needs of the growing population.
• Investment in our local economic development programme.
• Support community-led programmes to manage pests and restore the environment.

Have we got this right? Send in your comments via: akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.