26 May 2016

Budget revealed strong growth projections for New Zealand

Property Council believes the Government’s Budget announcement revealed many beneficial initiatives, however more must be done to address Auckland’s housing crisis.

Chief Executive Connal Townsend says the Budget highlights a period of strong growth for New Zealand which will have a profound effect on cities.

“Bill English’s announcement on strong population growth and the high rate of people moving to New Zealand from Australia will have a major impact on our urban centres and growth areas.

“It is critical to implement bold and decisive actions to plan and deliver the infrastructure and housing needs of major cities, such as Auckland.

“We commend the Government on the $100 million boost to better use Crown land in Auckland for housing, but more needs to be done to see actual houses built on serviced, liveable land.”

Property Council is pleased with the Government’s announcement on a National Policy Statement on Urban Development under the RMA.

“We have been vocal advocates of an NPS on Urban Development under the Resource Management Act to help bring clarity, pragmatism and guidance for quality urban development, particularly in growth areas.

“The RMA has mostly failed to serve its ultimate purpose of protecting our natural environment while enabling urban development to accommodate growth and progress.

“We believe an NPS would be hugely beneficial for providing local government decision makers with the necessary guidance to improve urban life by delivering confidence to major and long-term projects.”

However, Property Council is disappointed the Budget did not explicitly address Auckland and other growth areas in the provision of infrastructure.

“Auckland suffers from chronic infrastructure underinvestment, while being our most populous city with the biggest projected population growth.

“We were hopeful for announcements in this area that would alleviate some of the crippling infrastructure pressures facing Aucklanders.

“We know that housing and infrastructure delivery go hand and in hand and there is no point in building more houses where there are no infrastructure services.

“The planning and delivery of the two must be integrated.”

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