On 10 April, the Government signed its first official regional and city deal with Auckland Council and its a pretty big deal (literally!).
So, what’s a City Deal? Think of it as a 30-year partnership designed to get big projects moving faster, smarter, and with better coordination. It aligns funding, planning, and priorities across government to deliver on infrastructure, transport, housing, and economic growth. While more deals are on the way for Otago Central Lakes and Western Bay of Plenty, Auckland is first off the rank.
A major focus of the deal is unlocking the benefits of the City Rail Link (CRL). The agreement sets out a coordinated urban development programme across the Maungawhau–Kingsland–Morningside corridor, targeting “CRL uplift” through better zoning, infrastructure, and investment to maximise the value of this transformational project.
There’s also a renewed push to revitalise Auckland’s CBD. This includes delivering on the City Centre Revitalisation plan, progressing the Aotea Quarter and waterfront strategies, and completing Wynyard Quarter, all aimed at bringing people, business, and energy back into the heart of the city.
Beyond the centre, key growth areas like Drury and Auckland Airport will see coordinated planning for housing, transport, and public services. Add in a long-term transport strategy, innovation precincts, and new funding tools and this deal sets a clear direction for a more connected, future-ready Auckland.
Property Council has had ongoing dialogue with both Government and Auckland Council about investigating alternative funding sources and are pleased to see the Auckland City Deal is across the line. We’ll monitor the Auckland City Deal as the commitments are progressed, especially via Property Council’s involvement in Auckland Council’s recently established working groups.
To find out more, get in contact with Samantha.
Author | Samantha Lay Yee
Samantha brings a sharp policy mind and deep understanding of urban development to her role as Senior Advocacy Advisor. With a Master of Laws specialising in environmental law, she has built her career at the intersection of government, regulation and city-shaping policy.
Prior to joining Property Council, Samantha held a senior advisory role at Kāinga Ora where she led a complex investment management work programme. She also brings policy experience from the Ministry for the Environment and the Department of Internal Affairs. In those roles, she developed regulatory advice for Ministers and contributed to nationally significant urban development reforms. Her experience spans cross-agency collaboration, stakeholder engagement and translating complex policy into clear, actionable insights.
Analytical, thoughtful and highly respected, Samantha combines strategic thinking with a practical approach – helping shape policy settings that enable better outcomes for New Zealand’s built environment.
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