Auckland’s “Super City” with super-sized costs; ratepayers foot the bureaucracy bill.

New Zealand’s “Super City” is operating on a scale unparalleled across the country, as the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report league tables reveal the per household cost of Auckland’s massive bureaucracy.   

Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 

"Auckland Council serves more than 1.8 million people — around a third of New Zealand’s population. With that scale should come serious financial discipline.” 

“Instead, Auckland is running a $693 million council payroll, rising to $1.3 billion once council-controlled organisations are included. That is around $2,000 per household or nearly a third of the average residential rates bill.” 

“The Ratepayers’ Report league tables give ratepayers the chance to judge whether that reflects value for money or bureaucratic bloat.” 

“Auckland Council employs at least 194 staff on more than $200,000 a year, 52 paid more than a minister outside Cabinet, and more than 1,025 staff in management or communications roles. It’s fair to ask if the Council needs that many backroom staff on gold-plated salaries.” 

“With the cost of living and now the fuel crisis hitting households hard, the Taxpayers’ Union is calling for tighter financial discipline and an immediate rates cap on New Zealand’s largest council.” 

Prior to publication, every council were provided their figures for error checking, with requested corrections made. We encourage ratepayers to compare their council for themselves at  RatepayersReport.nz.