Auckland Mayor Phil Goff denies he's the Grinch who stole Christmas

A plan for a one-off five percent rate rise for Aucklanders is out for consultation.

It's to tackle the billion dollar hole in Council accounts over the next four years, because of Covid-19.

It would add 120 dollars to rates to a million dollar property, for the 2021/22 year.

Goff says he understands it's an extra cost, for people finding it tough.

But he says Aucklanders have told him they want the Council to continue working on parks, playgrounds, and reserves and building new infrastructure.