Urban Development News from the media | 10 June 2025 | The Government overruled the Christchurch City Council’s housing development plan

The Government overruled the Christchurch City Council’s housing development plan

In a major decision reported on June 7th, the government rejected the majority of Christchurch City Council's proposals for a tailored plan that would have seen it opt out of some of the national housing intensification rules. This decision ends a long-running debate and means Christchurch will now be largely subject to the same medium-density residential standards as other major cities, a move seen as a "kick in the guts" by the mayor but welcomed by others for providing certainty.

https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360715036/wasted-millions-dollars-christchurch-forced-allow-housing-intensification

"Going for Housing Growth" & "Granny Flat" Policies Advance

The government's "Going for Housing Growth" agenda remains the most significant national policy driver. This was further detailed on June 9th with the launch of public consultation on new rules to streamline the construction of "granny flats" (minor residential units up to 70m²) and papakāinga on Māori ancestral land, with the aim of boosting housing supply through densification.

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/enabling-more-housing-national-direction-granny-flats-and-papak%C4%81inga

Auckland's New Development Contributions Policy Detailed

Following its recent adoption by Auckland Council, further details of the new Development Contributions (DC) Policy, effective July 1, 2025, have been circulated. The policy confirms revised average costs for developers ($48,000 per household in priority growth areas) to fund the necessary infrastructure for growth, representing a significant change for the city's development landscape.

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/new-development-contributions-policy-approved/

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