Proposal is too rushed, error-ridden, says councillor
Auckland Council’s housing intensification strategy has come under fire, with councillor Christine Fletcher warning that the latest proposal is too rushed and contains “so many errors.”
Councillors will vote this week on whether to retain Plan Change 78 – which allows for three-storey buildings across most of the city – or shift to a new model that permits 10- to 15-storey developments around transport hubs in central areas.
The newly released draft plan also proposes stronger hazard rules after Auckland’s 2023 floods, clamping down on development in flood-prone areas while allowing for more intensification around train stations, frequent bus routes, and town centres.
Fletcher told a public meeting in Mt Eden that the original three-storey option was “effectively off the table,” but acknowledged the new high-rise proposal had little support among residents either, RNZ reported.
Local residents voice concerns
More than 100 people attended the Mt Eden Village Centre meeting to hear Fletcher and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour discuss the government’s plan to enable two million new homes.
Residents described feeling overlooked by intensification.
“Through my windows, I look right into the toilet and see them using the toilet. I can see them naked. That's how close it is to my house,” said Mt Eden resident Joy Urlich, describing the impact of surrounding multi-storey buildings. “They are blocking our sun. At one time, we could [see] Mt Eden, the Sky Tower. We can’t anymore.”
Another resident, Richie Dougal, stressed the importance of preserving heritage.
“There are plenty of other places that Auckland could put high-rise buildings. It would be a shame to ruin the character of some of the suburbs,” Dougal said.
Fletcher: plan rushed, legal advice sought
Fletcher said intensification was needed, particularly around City Rail Link stations, but criticised the replacement plan for being developed hastily.
“The concern I've got is that there are so many errors in the replacement plan because it's been done in such a rush,” she said. “For a blueprint for Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, we could do a lot better.”
She added that some councillors were reluctant to speak up during local elections, fearing backlash from the mayor, and confirmed she was seeking legal advice.
Seymour: balance heritage with housing demand
Seymour said intensification near transport links was “non-negotiable” but argued the plan could be improved.
“It's about lining up intensification, infrastructure, character, and heritage,” he said. “There are areas where intensification makes a lot of sense… There are areas around the Mt Eden train station which will soon open as part of the City Rail Link where people would also like to see more intensification.”
Seymour said the goal should be to allow “more homes to be built faster and cheaper so the next generation feels like this country has a place for them, literally.”
Future consultation ahead
If councillors support the high-rise proposal, formal public consultation is scheduled to begin on Nov. 3 and run until Dec. 18, RNZ reported.
Local resident Malcolm O’Neill urged politicians to engage experts for a more future-focused vision.
“I’m concerned that we might be having some grey-haired Wellington members of parliament who are living in the 1980s… That might not be our future,” O’Neill said.
Get the hottest and freshest mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter.
