Updated 8.41am: Auckland's local boards are telling the mayor, Len Brown, they want to be listened to.

The boards are frustrated at budget cuts, and all 21 have signed a letter telling the Mayor they feel stifled.

They say they've worked tirelessly to put his aspirational words into practice, but have been mostly ignored.

The Chairman of Manurewa's Local Board Angela Dalton says it's critical for the whole city to get the long term plan right.

"There's 21 Local Boards that are part of the whole of Auckland. We care about our local communities, we know our local communities and we need to make sure that we can all continue to go forward as one."

Boards say they unhappy at the proposed Long Term Plan for the city, and the slashing of their operating budgets.

Angela Dalton wants the Mayor to take another look at some of his big ideas.

"That we work together and take another good look at what is important for the whole of Auckland, and that there is some transparency over the budget that is informing the Mayor's proposals."

The boards say the priorities for funding should be public transport, refurbishment of facilities, sports field and town centre upgrades, economic development and support for community groups.