Flagship benchmark report
The state of the city Auckland 2026
The state of the city Auckland 2026
The state of the city Auckland 2026
Our globally comprehensive, empirical benchmark dataset evaluating Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s transit, economy, liveability, and environmental resilience against peer competitor cities.
Our globally comprehensive, empirical benchmark dataset evaluating Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s transit, economy, liveability, and environmental resilience against peer competitor cities.
Our globally comprehensive, empirical benchmark dataset evaluating Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s transit, economy, liveability, and environmental resilience against peer competitor cities.
Available from 5am Wednesday 26 August
The 2026 State of the City report finds Auckland is strengthening its international connections, innovation ecosystem and economic fundamentals, while persistent gaps in productivity, talent retention, housing and access to opportunity continue to constrain its potential.
The 2026 State of the City report finds Auckland is strengthening its international connections, innovation ecosystem and economic fundamentals, while persistent gaps in productivity, talent retention, housing and access to opportunity continue to constrain its potential.
17th
17th
Rising Stars ranking
Rising Stars ranking
Out of 300 cities for technology ecosystems
Out of 300 cities for technology ecosystems
55%
55%
International students
International students
Of New Zealand's international students hosted in Auckland
Of New Zealand’s international students hosted in Auckland
$6B+
$6B+
City-centre investment
City-centre investment
Private investment in the city-centre pipeline
Private investment in the city-centre pipeline
Strengths
Strengths
Strengths
Exceptional access to nature remains a distinctive global advantage. Rising technology ecosystem ranking. Strong international student presence. Significant city-centre investment pipeline.
Exceptional access to nature remains a distinctive global advantage. Rising technology ecosystem ranking. Strong international student presence. Significant city-centre investment pipeline.
Exceptional access to nature remains a distinctive global advantage. Rising technology ecosystem ranking. Strong international student presence. Significant city-centre investment pipeline.
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
Productivity remains a significant challenge. Promising businesses struggle to scale. City needs to do more to retain skilled talent. Low density, weak street connectivity and congestion limit performance.
Productivity remains a significant challenge. Promising businesses struggle to scale. City needs to do more to retain skilled talent. Low density, weak street connectivity and congestion limit performance.
Productivity remains a significant challenge. Promising businesses struggle to scale. City needs to do more to retain skilled talent. Low density, weak street connectivity and congestion limit performance.
The report provides an evidence base for Whitiki Tauā - the Auckland Action Agenda. Together with the Auckland Deal and the City Rail Link, it creates an opportunity to turn momentum into stronger investment, better jobs and a more confident international profile.
The report provides an evidence base for Whitiki Tauā - the Auckland Action Agenda. Together with the Auckland Deal and the City Rail Link, it creates an opportunity to turn momentum into stronger investment, better jobs and a more confident international profile.
State of the City 2026
A conversation with Dr Tim Moonen
Dr Tim Moonen, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Business of Cities, reflects on the key themes shaping the 2026 State of the City Report.
Report highlights
Key findings from the 2026 State of the City
Key findings from the 2026 State of the City
73%
73%
International passenger share
International passenger share
Auckland concentrates 73% of New Zealand's international passenger movements, cementing its role as the nation's primary global gateway.
Auckland concentrates 73% of New Zealand’s international passenger movements, cementing its role as the nation’s primary global gateway.
Auckland concentrates 73% of New Zealand's international passenger movements, cementing its role as the nation's primary global gateway.
+61
+61
Conventions and meetings growth
Conventions and meetings growth
Auckland's biggest performance rise, climbing 61 places in global rankings to sit in the top 10% globally as a destination for meetings and conventions.
Auckland’s biggest performance rise, climbing 61 places in global rankings to sit in the top 10% globally as a destination for meetings and conventions.
55%
55%
International student share
International student share
Auckland hosts 55% of New Zealand's international students, with the University of Auckland generating nearly NZ$500m in international tuition and research revenue.
Auckland hosts 55% of New Zealand’s international students, with the University of Auckland generating nearly NZ$500m in international tuition and research revenue.
Benchmarking Auckland
How Auckland compares to 10 peer cities
How Auckland compares to 10 peer cities
Performance indicators: biggest rises
Space tech sector
+50
Environmental performance
+36
Climate tech sector
+20
Perception indicators: areas to watch
Overall city brand appeal
-19%
Talent concentration
-41
Global city standing
-26
State of the City in the media
Coverage and commentary
Strategic priorities alignment
The five focus areas for systemic progress
The five focus areas for systemic progress
01
Global Gateway
Global gateway
Global gateway
Global connectivity and trade
Global connectivity and trade
Global connectivity and trade
02
Innovation & Talent
Innovation & talent
Innovation & talent
Skills, research and innovation
Skills, research and innovation
03
City Centre Connection
City centre connection
City centre connection
Transport and urban development
Transport and urban development
04
City of Nature
City of nature
City of nature
Sustainability and resilience
Sustainability and resilience
Sustainability and resilience
05
Homes & Opportunity
Homes & opportunity
Homes & opportunity
Housing and inclusive growth
Housing and inclusive growth
Previous benchmark publications
Previous benchmark publications
2025 Edition
The State of the City Benchmark 2025
State of Auckland’s Infrastructure 2025
Download archive
2024 Edition
The State of the City Benchmark 2024
The State of the City Benchmark 2024
Download archive
2023 Edition
The State of the City Inaugural Benchmark 2023
The State of the City Inaugural Benchmark 2023
Download archive
Key research delivery partners
Key research delivery partners
Deloitte.
The University of Auckland
Knowledge
© 2026 Committee for Auckland. All rights reserved.