Auckland Water Strategy

Why we need a water strategy

Clean, healthy water is essential to life in Auckland and our future, but we have not always looked after the water that makes Tāmaki Makaurau so special.

Our water strategy will help us ensure that all our future decision making and investments will contribute to improving the health of our waters.

Developing our strategy

We consulted on the Our Water Future Tō tātou wai ahu ake nei discussion document in 2019 and used the feedback to develop the strategy.

We also looked at the:

• results from Water Sensitive Cities Index for Auckland (2021)
• input from mana whenua
• guidance from central government
• long-term trends like population growth
• declining water quality
• need to tackle climate change.

What is in the strategy

Our vision outlines a future where the region’s waters are healthy, thriving, and treasured.

We want to:

• strengthen the connection Aucklanders have with water and their environment
• ensure Auckland’s water infrastructure is regenerative, resilient, low carbon, and increases the mauri of water.
• make sure our growing population has enough water through efficient use and diverse sources
• restore and enhance Auckland's water ecosystems
• work with Aucklanders and mana whenua to improve water
• safeguard sustainable water use and equitable access
• integrate land use and water planning at all levels.

Get a copy of the strategy documents

Auckland Water Strategy annual progress report

The annual progress report provides an overview of how the Auckland Water Strategy is implemented each year.

This report is intended for:

• the Governing Body
• Auckland Council staff
• the public.

It explains how the strategy has driven water-related council functions and activities over a one-year period.

Get a copy of the annual progress report

Who delivers on the strategy outcomes

The strategy helps us decide where to invest and what actions to take to improve Auckland's water.

It includes 58 key actions to complete within set timeframes. It also includes major changes in how we handle activities that affect water health.

Auckland Council departments and council-controlled organisations (CCOs) are responsible for these actions. These are:

• Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience
• Environmental Services
• Parks and Community Facilities
• Group Strategy
• Chief Sustainability Office
• Tumuaki Huanga Māori (Māori outcomes)
• Policy
• Planning and Resource Consents
• Governance and Engagement
• Watercare Services Limited
• Eke Panuku Development Auckland
• Auckland Transport.

More information

Visit Knowledge Auckland for more detailed reading.