- 51,000 hectares of possum control across the region
- 2,600 hectares of pest plant control on regional parks
- More than $560,000 invested in stream and wetland restoration
- 400 per cent increase in compliance measures to protect Auckland waterways
- Record 418 kōkako breeding pairs in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges – now New Zealand’s largest mainland population
Auckland’s targeted environmental rates are delivering measurable gains for the region’s native biodiversity, waterways and ecosystems, according to a new report endorsed today by Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee.
The Natural Environment and Water Quality Targeted Rates Highlights Report 2025/2026 shows how targeted investment is supporting pest control, species recovery, ecosystem restoration, cleaner waterways and infrastructure to reduce wastewater overflows.
Chair of Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee, Councillor Richard Hills, says the results show Aucklanders targeted-rate contributions are making a difference.
“Targeted rates were created because Aucklanders wanted stronger action to protect our natural environment and improve water quality. This report shows that investment is delivering tangible results.
“Aucklanders can see the benefits on the ground – from pest control and protecting kauri, to restoring islands, strengthening marine biosecurity and supporting the recovery of kōkako in the Hūnua Ranges.
“We’re also investing in cleaner waterways and infrastructure that will reduce wastewater overflows and improve the health of our streams and harbours.
“None of this happens in isolation. Mana whenua, community groups, schools, volunteers, businesses and environmental organisations are critical partners in restoring the mauri of Tāmaki Makaurau.
“The benefits of this work will be felt by Aucklanders for generations.”
Protecting Auckland’s biodiversity
The Natural Environment Targeted Rate supports pest control, native species recovery and ecosystem restoration across Auckland, including regional parks and the Hauraki Gulf islands.
Auckland Council General Manager Environmental Services Samantha Hill says sustained investment, combined with community action and new technology, is accelerating conservation gains.
“We’re seeing native species recover, pest populations decline and important ecosystems become more resilient,” says Ms Hill.
“Targeted funding also helps unlock additional support from mana whenua, volunteers, community groups, philanthropic organisations and government agencies, extending the reach and impact of conservation work.
“We’re increasingly using tools such as drones, artificial intelligence, smart cameras and advanced data systems to work more efficiently and target investment where it can deliver the greatest environmental benefit.”
Other natural environment highlights for 2025/26 include:
- Keeping the Waitākere and Hūnua Ranges regional parks deer free
- More than 520 active community conservation groups supported across Auckland
- Investment in the next generation of pest detection dogs
- More than 23,000 students involved in environmental education and restoration programmes
- Large scale iwi-led pest animal control underway on Aotea/Great Barrier Island, continued protection of kiwi and other taonga species on Waiheke Island
- Significant progress made towards wallaby and possum eradication on Kawau Island.
Restoring wetlands and waterways
The Water Quality Targeted Rate funds infrastructure and restoration projects to reduce wastewater overflows, improve stream and harbour health, restore wetlands and waterways, and tackle pollution at its source.
General Manager Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience Craig Mcilroy says the investment is helping deliver cleaner and more resilient waterways.
“Every project contributes to healthier beaches, harbours and waterways for Aucklanders. We’re building stormwater infrastructure to reduce wastewater overflows into the Waitematā Harbour, identifying and fixing contamination issues, improving septic system compliance, and restoring streams and wetlands across the region,” says Mr Mcilroy.
“Better data, monitoring and technology are also helping us identify problems earlier, target investment more effectively and achieve better environmental outcomes.”
Water quality highlights for 2025/26 include:
- More than 2km of new stormwater infrastructure completed through western and eastern isthmus water quality improvement programmes
- Thousands of properties identified to benefit from future separation of stormwater and wastewater networks
- More than 2,800 property drainage inspections completed through the Safe Networks programme
- More than 1,100 septic systems repaired through Safe Septic compliance activity
- More than $560,000 invested in stream and wetland restoration.
These programmes are funded through Auckland Council’s targeted rates and delivered across the region.
In 2026/27, the average residential ratepayer will contribute $45.75 to the Natural Environment Targeted Rate and $14.31 to the Water Quality Targeted Rate, compared with $44.37 and $11.72 respectively in 2025/26.
Read the full report here: Auckland Council Natural Environment and Water Quality Targeted Rates Highlight 2025/2026