Yesterday, Ministers Bishop and Brown confirmed the Government had reached an agreement with Auckland Council to unlock more housing around the City Rail Link stations. In particular, greater density is required in Maungawhau (Mount Eden), Kingsland and Morningside. The Council is also required to introduce walkable catchments around these stations to reflect the higher demand for housing and businesses in these areas.
Property Council New Zealand has been advocating for intensification near key transport nodes – such as the Auckland City Rail Link. Yesterday’s announcement is fantastic news for our members who have shared concerns around Plan Change 78 and the uncertainty that developers have faced since being underway in 2022.
Minister Bishop said: “These are some of the most significant changes to the shape of Auckland since the Auckland Unitary Plan.”
Auckland Council can withdraw Plan Change 78 but must process a new plan change urgently. The new Plan Change will be notified by 10 October 2025 and must enable housing equal or greater than the number previously established in Plan Change 78.
Additional to yesterday’s announcement, the Government has decided not to make Medium Density Residential Standards optional to other councils outside of Auckland and Christchurch.
Next Steps
Property Council will be making a submission on Auckland Council’s new Plan Change later in the year. If you wish to be involved in Property Council’s future submission, join our Auckland Regional Taskforce by contacting Head of Advocacy, Katherine Wilson today.
Author | Katherine Wilson
As Property Council’s Head of Advocacy, Katherine is tasked with leading our advocacy campaigns at both a regional and national level.
Level-headed and engaging, Katherine has both a law degree from Otago University and an arts degree (majoring in politics) from Auckland University. With solid experience as a policy analyst and advisor in Wellington and Auckland, she has extensive networks and solid analytical skills.
Katherine is hugely dedicated, highly intelligent and committed to ensuring the voice of our members is heard at all levels of governance. She’s also relentlessly positive and enjoys a good chat.
