Auckland Council Takes Charge of Housing Growth with New Plan

The New Zealand Government has officially confirmed the implementation of a new housing plan for Auckland, known as Plan Change 120 (PC120). This development allows the Auckland Council to withdraw its previously controversial Plan Change 78 (PC78) and aims to enhance local decision-making regarding housing growth in the city.

Chris Bishop, the Minister for RMA Reform, announced that Parliament passed a law in August allowing the Auckland Council to stop the application of PC78. This plan had mandated the use of Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) and posed challenges for areas susceptible to natural hazards such as flooding. The Government’s endorsement of this request signifies a shift back to local governance, enabling Auckland residents to have a greater say in their housing landscape.

The new PC120 plan will require the Auckland Council to ensure that the overall housing capacity remains at least equal to what PC78 would have provided. Additionally, it emphasizes increased building heights and greater housing density around key transit stations, particularly those benefiting from the upcoming City Rail Link scheduled to open in 2024. Bishop stated, “By giving Auckland Council the option to withdraw PC78, we’ve returned decision-making to locals.”

Process and Public Involvement

Following the withdrawal of PC78, the Auckland Council has formally requested to enter the Streamlined Planning Process for PC120. This process will extend over a period of 20 months, a slight increase from the initially proposed 18 months. Public submissions will be open from November 3, 2023, to December 19, 2023, with hearings planned for 2026. A panel comprising between eight to nine members will oversee these hearings, with four members appointed by Ministers and the remainder by the council.

Bishop emphasized the importance of involving Aucklanders in this critical process, stating, “The council itself has asked for a transparent process, and that’s exactly what we’re committed to delivering.” The Government has also issued a formal statement of expectations for the hearings panel, urging them to evaluate whether PC120 provisions hinder development and to ensure adequate housing capacity distribution, including considerations for greenfield development.

Future Implications

The new housing plan is expected to align with the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD), which advocates for increased urban intensification. As part of the process, the Government has declined the council’s request to remove references to greenfield development in the statement of expectations. This decision aims to maintain a balanced approach to urban growth and development.

To facilitate public engagement, a ‘friend of submitter’ service will be available to assist Auckland residents in navigating the plan change. Bishop expressed confidence that the PC120 process will prioritize local voices in decisions that shape Auckland’s future, ultimately enhancing housing options and maximizing the benefits of the City Rail Link.

Under the Resource Management Act, PC120 must amend the Auckland Unitary Plan to ensure that it provides as much housing capacity as PC78, along with supporting the intensification policies outlined by the Government. The formal direction issued to the Auckland Council marks a significant step towards a more localized approach to urban development in New Zealand’s largest city.