As Auckland heads into a pivotal election year, Committee for Auckland, in partnership with the University of Auckland, hosted a special address from Mayor Wayne Brown, bringing together leaders from business, academia, and the civic sector to discuss the city’s priorities for 2026.

Held at the University of Auckland’s Innovation Precinct, the event provided an opportunity to hear directly from the Mayor as his updated Manifesto for Auckland takes shape and as a City and Regional Deal between central government and council draws closer. With national attention increasingly focused on Auckland’s role in lifting economic performance, the conversation was both timely and grounded in delivery.

A focus on delivery, devolution, and ambition

Mayor Brown’s message was clear: Auckland must move faster and take greater ownership of its future. He spoke candidly about the need to reduce barriers that slow progress and to sharpen the city’s focus on outcomes, particularly in infrastructure, productivity, and innovation.

A recurring theme was the importance of devolving decision making back to the region. The Mayor highlighted how centralised New Zealand remains by international standards, using global comparisons to reinforce the case for giving Auckland more authority to shape its own economic and urban future.

“Nothing so permanent in Auckland as something called temporary.”

The address also reflected the political context of the year ahead. As the Mayor noted, 2026 presents a unique window to influence national debate and set expectations for political parties as the country approaches an election.

Innovation as a cornerstone of Auckland’s growth

Innovation featured strongly throughout the evening. The Mayor spoke about Auckland’s growing innovation ecosystem, the role of the Auckland Innovation and Technology Alliance (which the Mayor established before Christmas), and the findings of the State of the City report, which highlights both Auckland’s strengths and the work still required to compete with global peers.

Discussion reinforced the value of innovation precincts, like the one hosting the event, in supporting entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and high value industries. Collaboration between universities, business, and government was framed not as optional, but essential if Auckland is to attract talent, capital, and opportunity at scale.

International perspective also featured prominently, with the Mayor emphasising the importance of learning from offshore markets and applying globally informed thinking to local challenges.

Shaping Auckland’s future form

Urban development and infrastructure were key points of interest for many in the room. The Mayor outlined his support for intensification along rapid transit corridors, a focus on unlocking stalled economic activity, and the need to modernise planning and compliance settings so they better reflect Auckland’s climate and urban realities.

He also pointed to the opportunities ahead, including the completion of the City Rail Link and Convention Centre, renewed attention on international events and trade, and the chance to reimagine Auckland’s waterfront through bold, commercially viable ideas.

A shared agenda for the year ahead

The annual State of the City report has highlighted Auckland’s potential, alongside the challenges the city must confront. This event helped clarify how Auckland’s priorities are likely to be framed in the national conversation in 2026, and the role business, civic, and community leaders can play in supporting a stronger path forward.

Events like this reinforce the importance of shared ambition. Auckland’s challenges are complex, but so are its strengths. Aligning those strengths behind a clear, coordinated agenda will be critical to lifting performance and shaping a city that works for all Aucklanders.

Committee for Auckland thanks Mayor Wayne Brown, the University of Auckland, and all attendees for contributing to a constructive and forward looking discussion about Auckland’s future.