The recording from The State of the City 2026 Launch is now available to watch on the Auckland Conversations website.

On 26 August 2026, the University of Auckland hosted the launch of the State of the City 2026 report, an international benchmarking study led by the Committee for Auckland in partnership with Deloitte and the University examining how Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland performs against leading peer and competitor cities around the world.

This year's report takes a more action-oriented approach, identifying five areas where Auckland has the greatest opportunity to improve its performance:

• Global gateway
• Innovation and talent
• City centre and connections
• City of nature
• Homes, neighbourhoods and opportunity

The event featured insights from report author Dr Tim Moonen (The Business of Cities), alongside discussion on Auckland's future with Mayor Wayne Brown, Hon Simon Watts (Minister for Auckland), Professor Nic Smith (University of Auckland), Frances Valintine (AcademyEx), and Rupert Hodson (Committee for Auckland). A question-and-answer session with a group of Auckland leaders explored each of the report’s five focus areas.

The conversation explored the opportunities presented by the Auckland Deal, City Rail Link, international connectivity, innovation, housing and liveability, and what action is needed to support Auckland's long-term success.

Watch the recording here.