Executive Director Update | September 2026

Auckland is at an important point in its development.

Across business, government, iwi, academia and the community sector there is a strong desire to see greater alignment, stronger delivery and renewed confidence in the region's future.

Over recent months, much of our attention has been focused on developing Whitiki Taua | Auckland's Action Agenda. Building on insights from three years of State of the City benchmarking, the Action Agenda brings together organisations and stakeholders to identify practical opportunities where collective effort can help create meaningful change for Auckland.

The programme is focused on five interconnected themes:

• Auckland's role as a Global Gateway

• Innovation and Talent

• City Centre Vitality and Connectivity

• Nature and Resilience

• Homes, Neighbourhoods and Opportunity

Alongside this work, we have continued to engage closely with stakeholders involved in the Auckland Deal. The Deal represents a significant opportunity to align local and central government priorities with the insights, expertise and investment capability that exists across Auckland's business and civic sectors.

Committee for Auckland's role is not to duplicate existing work, but to help convene conversations, connect stakeholders and contribute constructive ideas that support long-term success for our city.

We continue to see strong interest from organisations wanting to contribute to Auckland's future through partnership with Committee for Auckland. That growing support reflects increasing recognition that many of Auckland's opportunities and challenges require collaboration across sectors rather than isolated action.

The months ahead will be particularly busy, with workstream workshops, partner engagement activities, the launch of State of the City 2026 and a series of discussions with senior government and industry leaders.

We look forward to working alongside our members as we continue building momentum and translating ideas into action.

Ngā mihi,

Rupert Hodson

Executive Director

Committee for Auckland