Auckland is set for a major transformation, with sweeping changes to housing rules aimed at unlocking more homes, especially around the City Rail Link (CRL) stations.

The Government and Auckland Council have finally struck a deal that will open up land for higher-density housing, clearing the way for Auckland to grow smarter and faster.

The changes come through the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, which has just been reported back to Parliament.

It scraps the current one-size-fits-all housing rules and replaces them with a new approach that focuses growth where it makes the most sense, near major public transport.

Minister Chris Bishop called the change one of the most significant since the Auckland Unitary Plan.

“It doesn’t make sense to have single-storey houses next to multi-billion-dollar train stations,” he said. “This is about making Auckland a city that works for people.”

Under the new rules, Auckland Council is required to notify a new housing plan change by 10 October this year.

This new plan must enable at least the same amount of housing as the previous PC78 plan, if not more.

The Council is also being directed to allow for greater heights and density around major CRL stations to meet growing demand.

While PC78 was underway since 2022, its progress was slow, hindered by floods and complicated planning rules.

Council had asked the Government for help, and now that help is here, but with clear expectations.

So what does this mean for Coasties?

For those commuting from the Hibiscus Coast, these changes could ease pressure on housing demand in our area by encouraging more homes to be built closer to city transport hubs.

Over time, that may help reduce sprawl, cut down long travel times, and give our younger generation more affordable options to live closer to where they work or study.

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