NZ Urban Development news from the media | 23 August 2022 | Submissions open on new intensification rules

Submissions open on new intensification rules

Auckland Council is asking for feedback on changes to the city’s planning rulebook – the Auckland Unitary Plan – allowing for more housing at greater building heights and density across the city, with submissions open from 18 August to 29 September 2022.

Known as Plan Change 78, the proposed changes respond to the government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD). This requires the council to enable buildings of six storeys or more within walking distances of Auckland’s city centre, 10 large metropolitan centres, and around rapid transit stops.

Additionally, with the plan change publicly notified, the government’s new Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) also come into immediate legal effect from today, 18 August, allowing up to three houses of up to three-storeys to be built on most residential sites.

John Duguid, General Manager for Plans and Places, says the council is encouraging people to make their submission and give their views on changes to implement the NPS-UD and the MDRS.

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2022/08/submissions-open-on-new-intensification-rules/

Developers get behind amalgamated Wellington council concept

With more than 7000 homes set to be built across the Wellington region in the next two years, prominent construction industry players are backing a single regional authority to streamline the development process.

Developers – frustrated by over-regulation and risk-averse council building departments – said inefficiencies arose when operating across several districts dealing with multiple consenting authorities, with varying levels of services, and different overarching development strategies.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/129601872/developers-get-behind-amalgamated-wellington-council-concept

Winton Land joins hands with MaxCap for $200m fund

NZX-listed Winton Land has partnered with Australian lender MaxCap, with Winton putting up to $50 million of equity to the fund, and the remainder coming from MaxCap.

The fund will be focused on apartments and townhouses throughout New Zealand's main centres - starting with Auckland.

Winton chief executive Chris Meehan said given the slowing market, the company could sniff an opportunity.

"We think the current challenges in the market gives us a great opportunity to pounce on some opportunistically cheap sites," Meehan said.

"People are struggling, some weaker developers are finding it tough, and we think we can buy sites from both weaker developers and some lenders at the right price."

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/473149/winton-land-joins-hands-with-maxcap-for-200m-fund