Chair's Message | September 2026

Kia ora koutou,

September is an important month for Committee for Auckland, with a strong programme of partner engagement, government dialogue and evidence-led action.

As the Committee moves from narrative development into Whitiki Taua | Auckland's Action Agenda, our focus is increasingly on convening the people and organisations needed to help Auckland move from ambition to delivery.

Over recent months, we have continued to strengthen our foundations as an organisation while sharpening our focus on the areas where we believe we can make the greatest contribution.

One important milestone has been the appointment of Rod Marler as Partnership Director and Action Agenda programme lead. Rod's extensive experience in urban regeneration, stakeholder engagement and city-shaping initiatives will help us deepen our partnerships, grow our membership base and support delivery of our expanding programme of work.

The Board has also agreed to extend Rupert Hodson's term as Executive Director, ensuring continuity as the organisation enters this exciting next phase.

You will notice throughout our work a strong focus on Whitiki Taua | Auckland's Action Agenda. While the Auckland Narrative remains an important foundation, feedback from partners and stakeholders has consistently emphasised the need to move beyond vision and into action.

Our focus is therefore shifting towards practical initiatives that bring organisations together around shared priorities and measurable outcomes for Auckland.

This includes continued progress across the Action Agenda workstreams, engagement with the Auckland Deal, growing partner collaboration, State of the City 2026, and a series of conversations with government, industry and civic leaders.

Committee for Auckland exists because of the commitment of members who share a belief that Auckland's future matters and that progress is best achieved through collaboration.

Thank you for your continued support, advocacy and participation as we work together to help shape Auckland's future.

Ngā mihi,

Mark Spencer

Chair

Committee for Auckland