Crown Land Programme is a milestone in addressing Auckland’s housing crisis

Property Council believes the identification of approximately 500 hectares of land in four sites in Auckland is proof that the Government is taking the housing crisis seriously.
Yesterday, Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith unveiled the Government’s Crown Land Programme which includes Massey East, Manukau, Avondale and Hobsonville.
It appears the Massey East project is the first project to begin, while sites in South Auckland and Avondale are earmarked for apartments with 60 units each.
Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend says he is greatly encouraged by Nick Smith’s comments, demonstrating the Government’s desire to work with the development sector to ramp up housing supply.

“This is a clear testament to the Government’s seriousness and commitment to addressing Auckland’s housing issue.

“We are also very pleased about Government’s approach, by intending to partner with iwi, community housing providers and the Auckland Council Properties Limited/Development Auckland.

“We are also very encouraged by Minister Smith’s comments about infrastructure provision being relatively straightforward for some of these sites, as delivery has been a major issue in slowing the delivery of several projects, including those in in Special Housing Areas.”

Mr Townsend also says it’s a relief to see the Government on the same page as Property Council on density being key to addressing the shortfall in Auckland’s housing supply.

“The announcement by Dr Smith, together with some of the projects being undertaken by the Auckland Council Properties Limited, reaffirm our advocacy position on the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.

“The Mixed Housing Zone needs to be reinstated to be a Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone with more flexible density concessions provided.”

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