At a University of Auckland forum on Thursday, October 31, experts set a new course for housing reform to deliver lasting, fair homes.

Associate Professor William Cheung said the next phase must translate upzoning into long-term, equitable housing.

“The forum’s discussions showed that effective housing systems are those that integrate behavioural insight, institutional stability, and public trust.”

He called for policy frameworks that learn and adapt across political cycles.

Evidence from Auckland’s Unitary Plan featured strongly.

Associate Professor William Cheung.

Associate Professor Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy said city-wide reform and state delivery reinforced each other, with upzoning lifting supply and a threefold rise in state-built dwellings.

He noted the share of government-built homes rose from 3.1 percent pre-reform to 9.9 percent in the six years after.

Dr Elham Bahmanteymouri cautioned that platforms like Airbnb can soak up new supply in high-amenity areas, urging data transparency and localised rules.

Auckland Council chief economist Gary Blick said widespread upzoning has delivered more homes, more townhouses and apartments, and more building closer to jobs and rapid transit.

Research he cited estimates 21,800 additional homes and a lift in the share of new homes within 14 kilometres of the city centre from 46 percent to 51 percent.

International speakers added context.

Professor Chris Leishman warned against ignoring demand factors, Professor Hyojung Lee highlighted potential inequality effects, and Professor Kelvin Wong stressed liveability and infrastructure limits in very dense cities.

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