A major step toward unlocking faster, more affordable housing developments across New Zealand.
Auckland, Sunday 29 September 2024 – Today’s government announcement represents a pivotal moment for New Zealand’s property sector, says Leonie Freeman, Chief Executive of Property Council New Zealand. With proposals to streamline the building consent process now on the table, the Property Council is backing this long-overdue reform aimed at cutting through red tape and delivering faster, more efficient development outcomes.
“Our members, including the country’s leading property developers, investors, managers and property experts, have been clear: the current consenting system is plagued by delays and inconsistencies across regions. It’s hindering progress and escalating costs for projects that are crucial to meeting New Zealand’s housing needs,” says Freeman.
A recent Property Council survey revealed building system reform—particularly in the area of consenting—as the number one advocacy priority for its members.
“Our members are reporting building consent wait times stretching beyond two months, while resource consents are facing delays of six to 18 months depending on the scale of the project. This creates a level of uncertainty that drives up costs, slows progress, and ultimately puts home affordability further out of reach,” Freeman explains.
Freeman believes that today’s announcement could mark the beginning of a new era for the construction industry. “The Government’s commitment to exploring solutions that will streamline building consents is a positive step toward addressing these long-standing issues. It signals that we’re moving in the right direction for a more efficient, predictable, and cost-effective development process.”
The Property Council has been actively engaging with the Government for the past nine months, emphasising the urgent need for reform. Freeman hopes today’s consultation announcement will spark broader, transformative changes to the entire consent framework.
“At the heart of this is the goal we all share: building more homes, more quickly, and at a lower cost. The ripple effects of a more efficient system would be felt across every community in New Zealand.”
“We are fully supportive of the options presented today. Faster, streamlined consents mean faster, more affordable housing, which benefits everyone,” says Freeman.
The Property Council is committed to ongoing collaboration with the Government to help deliver a future-proof consenting system that empowers development, cuts through bureaucracy, and ultimately supports New Zealand’s housing goals.
ENDS
For further comment please contact:
Leonie Freeman | Chief Executive | 027 436 6526 | leonie@propertynz.co.nz