Auckland needs housing leadership, and here’s how
The Coalition for More Homes is advocating for an ambitious response to new legislation: the National Policy Statement on Urban Development and Medium Density Residential Standards.
Auckland Council has prepared a response to this legislation, and we want to see it strengthened through the Independent Hearing Panel.
We believe that everyone deserves a healthy and affordable home and the opportunity to live in convenient, liveable neighbourhoods with access to transport and amenities.
we’re asking Auckland Council to:
Extend proposed Walking Catchments, 20mins for Rapid Transit and Metro centres, 30mins for City Centre
Enable Perimeter Block Housing forms through new Medium Density Zone similar to improved THAB zone definition. Read about our alternative standards here.
Define corridors with high bus priority and frequency as Rapid Transit, as per NPS-UD
For example, Great North Rd, Manukau Rd, Mount Eden Rd
Apply Mixed Use Zoning and Remove Special Character Areas in Walkable Catchments, to enable the growth of centres & more local living. Retain and improve listed Heritage protections.
Establish Statutory Design Guidance for Apartments and Medium Density to support liveability at density, including requirements for acoustic comfort, solar access, accessibility, thermal comfort and shared amenities.
Why is this so important?
Housing is a significant political issue in Aotearoa. With powerful impacts on issues from equity to mental health, to overall wellbeing and productivity.
Auckland is in a multi-generational housing crisis, alongside a climate crisis that’s being exacerbated by our transport system. Auckland Council declared a housing emergency on 11th June 2019.
While the Auckland Unitary Plan in 2016 boosted the capacity for housing across the city, this has been unequally distributed to fringe suburbs. This new legislation is an opportunity to re-balance and enable more development in highly accessible and in-demand areas of Auckland, close to amenities and transport options.
Auckland Council's response to the NPS-UD and MDRS is vital for addressing both the housing and climate crises.
Rising housing costs
put secure and affordable housing out of reach for more Aucklanders than ever.Poor housing quality
leads to poor health outcomes, especially for renters.Lack of housing choice
means that many people are forced to live far from work and family, and accept long, costly and often car-dependent commutes.
Auckland needs housing leadership
This is not the only action that is needed from Auckland Council to address the housing and climate crisis – but it is a critical step.
We need to enable density done well and more homes, in the right place, for the benefit of all of Auckland.