95bFM Auckland Council releases plan to increase housing in Tāmaki Makaurau
2 May, 2022
Interview by Casper McGuire, adapted by Joel Arnstrong
Auckland councillor Shane Henderson says that while the government's new housing density requirements are compulsory, the council is consulting communities on where they should put more housing and how much is needed. Art: Bailey Fleming.
The Auckland Council has released its proposal to rezone parts of the central suburbs to enable more medium and high-density housing developments.
This is part of the government's new requirements for greater housing density across Aotearoa's major cities.
The requirements include apartments of six storeys and more in large urban centres and more housing of up to three storeys across almost all Auckland suburbs.
Auckland councillor Shane Henderson told Casper McGuire on 95bFM's The Wire that while the majority of the government changes are compulsory, the council is consulting communities on where they should put housing and how much is needed.
"It's crucial to enable more housing in centrally located suburbs close to jobs, schools and public transport. Auckland Council's planning rules lock out many young people and families from places like Kingsland and St Helliers, where you can only build up to one story."
Henderson said heritage buildings can still be protected, but the council's priority is housing.
"My concern is people living in cars and garages. In these discussions, we don't centre enough on people who need housing. We need to help our people and solve the housing crisis first. And we can do that by allowing more development."
Henderson encouraged the public to have their say on the council's proposed zoning changes by making a submission.
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