Key Takeaways
- The New Zealand government is considering weakening housing intensification laws in Auckland, which could reduce the target of 2 million new homes.
- The move is in response to criticism from proponents of heritage homes and concerns about further intensification in character areas.
- Housing Minister Chris Bishop confirmed that the government is exploring options, but details are yet to be announced.
- Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown supports intensification, but believes scaremongering has occurred around the 2 million homes figure.
- The potential change may not affect housing intensification around major public transport hubs, such as the Auckland City Rail Link.
Introduction to Housing Intensification Plans
The New Zealand government is re-examining its housing intensification plans for Auckland, following pushback from critics. Last year, Auckland Council approved the initial phase of a new plan to accommodate an extra 2 million new homes in the coming decades. This plan was in response to the government allowing the council to opt out of medium-density rules that apply to most major cities. In exchange, the council set up zoning for 30 years of growth, which was calculated to accommodate an additional 2 million homes. However, the government has since come under pressure from proponents of heritage homes, who have raised concerns about further intensification in character areas that are already experiencing significant development.
Government Considerations
Housing Minister Chris Bishop confirmed to RNZ that the coalition is considering weakening housing intensification laws, which could decrease the 2 million figure. Bishop stated that the government is exploring a range of options around housing capacity targets for Auckland and will have more to say soon. It is understood that this potential change will not affect housing intensification around major public transport hubs, such as the Auckland City Rail Link (CRL), which is due to open later this year. The National Party, under the leadership of Christopher Luxon, has signalled a backdown on medium-density residential standards, indicating that changes are needed.
Auckland Mayor’s Response
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has expressed support for intensification, believing that it makes sense in areas with good public transport and infrastructure. Brown stated that he has not had any direct contact with government ministers regarding scaling back intensification laws and was unaware of any plans to do so. He criticized the "scaremongering and nonsense" surrounding the 2 million homes figure, suggesting that some people have oversold the concerns. Brown expects to be briefed on any updates when he meets with government ministers later this month. He also pointed out that existing rules already allow for three-story houses to be built right up to the boundary, which would be worse for residents than having a multi-story building every so often.
Council Reaction
The council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee chair, Richard Hills, has heard rumors of the government relenting but has "no clarity at all" on the matter. Hills expressed concern about how a change would fit into the consultation process, suggesting that it would lead to more confusion. Another councillor, Christine Fletcher, welcomed the potential change, describing the 2 million extra homes approach as "blunt and ill-considered" and not taking into account physical and social infrastructure. Fletcher believes that the majority of Aucklanders will welcome the change, as people are not opposed to intensification, but it needs to be done properly.
Conclusion
The potential weakening of housing intensification laws in Auckland has sparked a mixed reaction from stakeholders. While some, like Mayor Wayne Brown, support intensification, others, like councillor Christine Fletcher, believe that the approach needs to be re-evaluated. The government’s consideration of changes to housing capacity targets for Auckland may have significant implications for the city’s future development. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor the government’s announcements and the council’s response to ensure that any changes are well-considered and effective in addressing Auckland’s housing needs.