Going for Housing Growth: Providing for urban development in the new resource management system

I am pleased to present this discussion document on our Going for Housing Growth Pillar 1 proposals and their integration into the new resource management system.

These proposals would support the new resource management system to make a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis that has long affected our nation, ensuring that every New Zealander has access to affordable, quality housing.

New Zealand's housing market has faced significant challenges over recent years, including high prices, limited supply, and regulatory barriers that have stifled growth.

Our cities have struggled to grow efficiently, leading to a shortage of developable land and skyrocketing property prices. This has had profound impacts on our economy, productivity, and the well-being of our communities.

The Going for Housing Growth programme is structured around three pillars, with Pillar 1 focusing on freeing up land for development and removing unnecessary planning barriers.

This pillar is crucial for creating a more flexible and responsive housing market. Key components include establishing ambitious housing growth targets for councils, expanding urban boundaries to provide more opportunities for development, and strengthening intensification provisions to make it easier to build new houses in the right places.

We’re also proposing that councils are required to better enable mixed-use developments in our cities, which will make them more liveable and connected. Removing district plan controls that don’t relate to effects on other people or the environment, such as balcony requirements and minimum floor areas, would bring down the cost of development and better allow for people to choose how they live.

The Going for Housing Growth Pillar 1 proposals represent a bold and necessary step towards solving New Zealand's housing crisis. By addressing the root causes of the crisis and removing barriers to development, we are creating a foundation for sustainable, long-term growth that benefits all New Zealanders.

I encourage you to use this discussion document to share your insights and feedback as we work together to build a brighter housing future.

Hon. Chris Bishop

Minister of Housing

Minister Responsible for RMA Reform