Kia ora koutou.

It’s been another huge year for Auckland and I wish you and your family and friends a happy, safe and relaxing Christmas and New Year.

Over summer, Auckland Council will be busy working on the Auckland Unitary Plan. It’s an incredibly important tool that will replace all the old district plans, and guide how we will implement the Auckland Plan - our 30-year blueprint to turn Auckland into the world’s most liveable city.

There has already been significant input from local boards and, as part of an enhanced public engagement programme, we’ll release a draft plan for informal public feedback from March to May 2013.

As you may have heard, I’m proposing an average rates increase of no more than 2.9 per cent for the 2013/2014 financial year. That’s lower than the rates increases set in our first two years - 3.6 per cent this year (2012/2013) and 3.9 per cent last year (2011/2012). It is also much lower than the 4.8 per cent proposed in the council’s 10-year Long-term Plan.

Aucklanders should pay the same fees and the same rates for the same services, no matter where they live. Read more about how I propose to keep rates increases as low as possible.

I hope you enjoy the summer weather, spend as much time as you can with family and friends, and experience what makes Auckland the very special place it is.

Here’s wishing you a very merry Christmas and an awesome 2013.

Ka kite anō.

Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland