News Release
10 March 2013

Council sets out overview of Auckland Housing challenges

Auckland Council today released key details from its latest assessment of housing issues facing Auckland.

A full briefing will be provided to councillors at the Auckland Plan Committee on Tuesday.

Mayor Len Brown says he wants the briefing to contribute to more informed solutions to tackling Auckland's housing issues.

"Aucklanders have been clear they want a sensible and planned approach and that's what we're working hard to deliver."

"This latest assessment reminds us this is a complex issue requiring solutions on many fronts.

"The new Auckland Unitary Plan will be the key tool for Council to play it's part. It provides for a balanced response, through use of existing land, as well as unlocking new land for development.

"It will also simplify rules for developers and homeowners and provide more certainty for all Aucklanders about the shape and character of our town centres and suburbs in the decades to come.

"Later this week we will publish a draft of this plan, so Aucklanders can continue to have a say in the future shape of their city."

Key Details - Overview of Auckland Housing Issues

Context

Based on current estimates, Auckland could need up to 400,000 homes, or dwellings, by 2040, around 13,000 a year
There were 3,400 residential building consents in 2011-12, an increase of 21% on the previous year, but well below what is needed.
The Auckland Plan sets a target of an average 7 years supply of ‘ready to go’ Greenfield land for housing. Auckland currently has around 3-4 years supply
Housing is currently 30% less affordable in Auckland than for New Zealand as a whole.

Land availability

Council estimates it has capacity in Auckland for 15,000 homes on ready to go greenfields land including in Flat Bush, Hatfield’s Beach, Hobsonville, Stonefields-Mt Wellington and Takanini
This includes around 2,000 sections available now in greenfields areas
The remainder requires subdivision and internal servicing by private sector developers to create sections
In addition there are likely to be more than 4,000 vacant sections within the urban existing area and the Unitary Plan may incentivise owners and developers to make use of this land for new housing developments

Auckland Council response

The new Unitary Plan will introduce new residential zones which provide flexibility for more multi-unit developments in the metropolitan area, easing pressures on both supply and affordability
Consents processing has been sped up and simplified so around 97% of residential consents are now processed within 20 days
Council is investigating the use of existing Council-owned land for development, including affordable housing
The cost of Development Contributions (DCs) have been cut by 10% over the last 2 years
A lower DC rate has been introduced for smaller or affordable housing
Developers can now defer payment of DCs

Ends

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