Hon Chris Bishop
Minister of Housing
Minister for RMA Reform

Housing and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed Auckland Council’s decision today to withdraw Plan Change 78 (PC78) and instead proceed with a new replacement plan.

“Auckland now has the opportunity to decide how and where the city grows, with greater flexibility than was the case in PC78,” Mr Bishop says.

“PC78 was too ‘one size fits all’, applying the Medium Density Residential Standards in a blanket way that was rejected by Aucklanders and its Council. It also did not allow the city to ‘downzone’ flood-prone areas.

“Parliament has changed the law to let Auckland Council withdraw PC78, provided it is replaced with a new plan that delivers at least the same overall housing capacity and allows for greater density around key stations that benefit from investment in the City Rail Link.

“To improve housing affordability in Auckland we need the city to grow both up and out – and now the Council has much more flexibility to decide where and how that growth happens.

“Now that the Council has voted for a new plan change, the next step is for them to seek my direction on timeframes and process for their replacement plan change, which they must do by 10 October.

“I will then provide direction, setting out the procedural steps and timeframes for the plan change process. Following this direction, the Council can publicly notify the replacement plan change for consultation.

“I have previously indicated that I am considering a submission period of 3 November to 19 December, as earlier requested by the Council. That gives Aucklanders a clear window to have their say on how and where housing growth should occur.

“In the new year, I consider it appropriate for the Plan Change to be heard by an independent panel of experts. A hearings panel would hear from Aucklanders who submit on the plan change, consider views of submitters and make recommendations to the Council.

“It is important to note that Auckland Council may choose to accept any hearings panel recommendations, or not. The Council is the final decision-maker on the plan change. This differs from previous iterations of density-related plan changes in Wellington and Christchurch, where the Minister was the final decision-maker.

“I expect to set an overall timeframe of around 18 months for the entire plan change process. This will give certainty to Aucklanders after years of delay and uncertainty, but also makes sure the hearings panel has a good chance to do its work and consider the potentially large volumes of submissions.

“There will be opportunities for the public to have their say throughout the plan change process. I encourage Aucklanders to get involved and ensure their views are heard.”

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