Aucklanders will soon get their say on how and where the city grows, with a major planning decision set to open for public submissions in November.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the Government is preparing for a six-week consultation window, from 3 November to 19 December, if Auckland Council withdraws its controversial Plan Change 78 later this month.

The Council had asked Parliament for the power to scrap PC78, which applied blanket medium-density housing rules across suburbs, and instead bring forward a new plan that lets Aucklanders choose where growth should go.

The change would also allow the Council to “downzone” flood-prone areas.

If PC78 is dropped, a fresh plan will still need to provide the same amount of housing capacity overall.

But the new approach would give locals more say, while ensuring greater housing density is built near City Rail Link stations.

Hearings are expected in the new year before an independent panel, with the entire process likely to take 18 months.

Bishop said the aim is to deliver certainty after years of delay, while unlocking more housing options.

For Hibiscus Coast residents, the outcome could shape how development pressures flow north, especially around transport corridors and areas at risk of flooding.

It’s a chance for Coasties to weigh in on Auckland’s growth map and what it means for local neighbourhoods.

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