Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has briefed councillors in a behind-closed-door meeting on his budget cutting plans.
Brown says the super city faces a $375 million deficit- which includes $50 million needed for storm recovery - unless cuts are made or rates are hiked.
Auckland Council jobs, services, and its 18 percent share in Auckland Airport are all potentially on the chopping block.
Councillors have been divided on the mayor's plans.
Councillor Maurice Williamson told RNZ on Wednesday selling the airport shares would mean a rates rise kept at around 4.5 percent. But others have said the council should hold on to the asset, and find a middle ground between deep cuts and a sharp rates hike.