Urban Development News from the media | 9 September 2025 | Auckland Transport to be stripped of most powers

Auckland Transport to be stripped of most powers — Government unveils governance overhaul 

The most significant reforms to transport in Auckland since 2010 will restore democratic accountability and ensure Aucklanders can hold their elected representatives responsible for transport policies, Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown say.

“Late last year we committed to this significant change to transport governance and delivery arrangements in Auckland. It will deliver better outcomes for Aucklanders and help to restore confidence in Auckland Transport,” Mr Bishop says.

“Auckland’s transport system needs strong, appropriate governance to ensure people and goods can move across the city efficiently and safely, while ensuring value for money from every dollar spent by central government and Auckland Council.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/restoring-democracy-auckland%E2%80%99s-transport

A+ credit rating will boost social housing delivery

News that the Community Housing Funding Agency has achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global will mean more social homes can be delivered more cost effectively, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Currently, Community Housing Providers (CHPs) account for 16 per cent of our social homes, or around 14,000 houses, while Kāinga Ora provides about 73,000 social homes. 

“Organisations like The Salvation Army, Accessible Properties NZ Ltd, and Te Āhuru Mōwai Ltd Partnership, among others, do a great job providing housing and other support to people in need. This Government wants the CHP sector to grow and thrive. 

“My ambition for the social housing system is for a level playing field between CHPs and Kāinga Ora. The underlying ownership of a house – whether public or private – should be irrelevant. What matters is the provision of warm, dry homes to those who need them, along with social support if required.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/credit-rating-will-boost-social-housing-delivery

Housing rules loosened in more parts of Christchurch

Christchurch city councillors have finally approved what they hope will be the last batch of decisions related to the much resisted Government-initiated housing intensification plan.

They also officially agreed to request an exemption from upzoning the rest of the city, the final decision for which rests with RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop.

On Wednesday, councillors agreed to extend medium density zoning (allowing three, three storey buildings per section) largely within a few kilometres of the four avenues, but also in areas like Riccarton, Halswell and Belfast.

These areas were chosen for intensification after careful modelling by council staff, who were trying to find a way to meet the Government’s minimum housing capacity targets (65,600 over the next three decades) required to get an exemption.

https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360811718/housing-rules-loosened-more-parts-christchurch

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