Auckland Council has approved sweeping planning changes designed to keep homes out of flood-prone areas and concentrate growth around transport hubs.

The move scraps Plan Change 78 and introduces Plan Change 120, which gives the council new powers to restrict development in high-risk flood zones and coastal areas.

In the worst-hit locations, new housing will be limited to single homes only.

Mayor Wayne Brown says the approach is about common sense.

“We need a physically and financially resilient future. This will allow us to downzone flood-prone land and build up in areas that make sense—like around transport corridors, walkable catchments, and where we have invested significantly in infrastructure, in water pipes, roads, and train lines.”

The 2023 floods, which caused billions in damage and cost lives, prompted calls for stronger rules.

Councillor Richard Hills says Aucklanders made it clear they want safer housing choices.

“This lets us better protect people and property more quickly than we could under Plan Change 78, while focusing more homes where housing demand and public transport access are highest.”

For Hibiscus Coast families, that means tighter controls on risky floodplain sites while town centres and busway corridors remain the main focus for growth.

With $5.5 billion already sunk into the City Rail Link, council leaders say it makes sense to build homes near jobs and fast trains instead of far-flung, car-dependent suburbs.

Public submissions on Plan Change 120 are expected to open in November, with hearings to follow.

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