Auckland's mayor is pledging to keep next years rates rise to less than five percent, despite claiming the city's facing a debt crisis.
It's prompting concerns that services will be sacrified to fill the $295 million budget hole.
The mayor's called for savings of $130 million and he wants to sell its shares in Auckland Airport.
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says the council is keeping all its targeted rates, but it is cutting about two thirds of the rates income heading for natural environment and water quality projects.
Those projects normally funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate and Water Quality Targeted Rate will still go ahead as usual, funded by existing savings in the coffers.
Desley Simpson could not say how those projects would continue to be funded in the future, beyond the 23-24 year.
