Auckland Council has resolved to partially withdraw Plan Change 78 (PC78) and the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS). From 9 October 2025, MDRS will no longer apply as a permitted activity across most residential zones, and development rules will revert to the Auckland Unitary Plan. This change affects applicants for resource consent and existing building consent holders who rely on MDRS provisions.
If you have a building consent or application that relied on MDRS as a permitted activity and did not require a resource consent, you may request a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) before 9 October 2025. After that date, MDRS can no longer be relied on, regardless of when an application was lodged. PC78 will continue to apply only in limited areas (such as Metropolitan Centre Zones and certain precincts).
For advice specific to your situation, you should seek independent planning advice. We understand this change has significant impacts on our Auckland members and very little warning or communication has been issued on this notice. The Advocacy team is in touch with both local and central Government to resolve this issue. We have asked for an extension on implementation timeframes, greater communication avenues with the development sector and a specialised consenting application pathway for those who are impacted.
Stay informed
We will provide details/updates on the progress of this through our Auckland Local Government Taskforce. Please contact Bella Leddy if you wish to stay informed.
At this stage any further information on your specific consenting implications should be requested by contacting pc78consents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.