19 October 2026. Mahurangi Matters newspaper. As of 1 October, one of the biggest changes to Auckland’s local government structure since 2010 has taken effect, with Auckland’s transport system entering a new era through legislative changes moving significant responsibilities from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council. 
For most residents, however, the immediate change should be relatively invisible. What has changed is who is responsible for making many of the decisions behind the scenes.
Auckland Transport will now focus primarily on operating Auckland’s public transport network, including buses, ferries and trains.
Auckland Council has taken over responsibility for road and footpath maintenance and improvements, transport planning, the design and delivery of transport projects, public parking, walking and cycling infrastructure, and all other transport functions.
As elected representatives, Councillors and Local Boards will have greater involvement in transport governance, strategy, policy, bylaws, road-controlling authority decisions and the way our roads are classified. The Mayor and Councillors will oversee the arterial routes, while Local Boards will have responsibility for local roads.
Auckland Transport employees have transferred to Auckland Council, bringing with them the expertise needed to deliver these responsibilities and manage the day-to-day operational demands of Auckland’s roading network. 
For Rodney, I see this as an important opportunity for our communities to have a greater say in transport decision-making, with all local elected members now more directly accountable for the decisions that affect the local roads and transport network.
The Rodney Local Board will begin making transport decisions through its official monthly business meetings, effective immediately. This provides a stronger connection between the decisions being made and the local realities experienced by our different communities.
Rodney has very different transport needs from Auckland’s urban areas. We have a large rural road network, a mix of unsealed and sealed roads, growing communities, increasing traffic pressures and significant challenges around connectivity. Our priorities have not always been the same as those of the inner city, and historically it has been difficult to get those differences properly acknowledged.
The reform also provides an opportunity to put a much stronger focus on value for money. Council will be looking at standardising designs to reduce costs, reducing traffic management costs, improving efficiency now that Auckland Transport is no longer separate from Council, and making greater use of local contractors — while ensuring communities are properly engaged before significant changes are made.
There will inevitably be some teething issues as the new arrangements settle in. For residents wanting to report problems with roads, footpaths or street lighting, Auckland Council is now the organisation responsible. Auckland Transport remains responsible for public transport services, including buses, ferries and trains. 
Transport is one of the biggest issues facing our communities, and getting the balance right between maintaining what we already have and investing in what we need for the future will be critical.
The reform gives Auckland Council a greater role. Now we need to make sure that role delivers better value, better decisions and better transport outcomes for every Auckland community — including Rodney.