Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Red Tape Cut For High Density Housing – Expert Reaction
People will be able to build up to three homes of up to three storeys on most sites without the need for a resource consent, according to a newly introduced Bill with bipartisan support.
Currently, district plans typically only allow for one home of up to two storeys. The Government says the new rules will result in between 48,200-105,500 new homes built in next 5-8 years.
The SMC asked experts about today’s announcement.
Professor John Tookey, Professor of Construction Management, AUT University, comments:
“Today’s joint announcement is a significant step forward. That said, it is hard not to ask why it has taken so long to come to this realisation. Successive governments of both political complexions have seen the problem of housing affordability and availability spin further out of control. Practically up to this point the measures that have been introduced have been limited in scope and effect. It is a measure of the desperate state of the housing sector that a joint statement has been made. As Shakespeare said, ‘misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows’.
“The new policy measures, when followed through, will likely generate substantial positive uplift in housing provision. Notwithstanding which, the forecasts of additional homes being delivered will be substantially dependent on availability of capacity in the housing sector. There is a huge difference between an opportunity to build and a completed building. To this end, equal effort will need to be applied to the creation of capacity through strategic investment, skills training and availability of finance. It is only when there is a conjunction between the opportunity and the capability that we will be able to tackle this problem. The good news is that this is a significant step forward in terms of opportunity and should be commended accordingly.”
No conflict of interest.
Science Media Centre NZ
Our aim is to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.
The Science Media Centre is New Zealand's only trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to science. Thousands of news stories providing context from and quoting New Zealand researchers have been published as a direct result of our work.
Gordon Campbell: On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
Brendon McMahon - Local Democracy Reporter: West Coast Swim Spot Testing Clear Of E-coli
Green Party: Government Throws Coal On The Climate Crisis Fire
Labour Party: Public Transport Costs To Double As National Looks At Unaffordable Roading Project Instead
The Treasury: New Paper On A Framework For Assessing The Economic And Fiscal Impacts Of Climate Change
Government: Pet Bonds A Win/Win For Renters And Landlords
Government: New Zealand Condemns Iranian Strikes
