Urban Development News from the media | 23 September 2025 | First Fast-track housing project gets green light

First Fast-track housing project gets green light

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed news that the first housing development has received consent under the Fast-track Approvals Act.

The Maitahi Village housing development in Nelson lodged its application in February 2025 and has now been approved by an independent expert panel.

Minister Bishop says the Maitahi Village development is expected to deliver approximately 180 homes, including 50 Ngāti Koata iwi-led houses, a retirement village with 194 townhouses and 36 in-care units, and a commercial centre.

“The development will provide much-needed housing and commercial infrastructure for the Nelson region.

“It is a significant investment in the future of Nelson and is expected to inject up to $308 million into the local economy."

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-fast-track-housing-project-gets-green-light

Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act 2025 becomes law

The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Act (the Act) passed into law on 20 August 2025. This is part of the wider programme of resource management reform. 

The objective of the Act is to make targeted amendments to the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) that deliver short- to medium-term impacts for system users ahead of replacing the RMA with resource management legislation based on the enjoyment of property rights (Phase 3 RMA Reform). 

The Act progresses Government priorities, including making it easier to consent new infrastructure and new houses, encouraging investment in renewable energy and enhancing the primary sector.
 

https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/acts/rm-amendment-act-2025/

Aucklanders to have their say on high‑rise and housing density rules from November

RMA Minister Chris Bishop has announced Aucklanders will have a say on the latest urban development plans, allowing for greater density and high-rise apartments, from November 3 to December 19.

What’s more, Bishop said the overall timeframe for the biggest shake-up of the city’s planning rules since the Unitary Plan a decade ago will run for about 18 months.

“Robust consultation will be critical to the success of the process and ensuring the voice of Aucklanders is heard is important for both the Government and the council,” Bishop said in a letter to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and planning committee chairman Richard Hills.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland/aucklanders-to-have-their-say-on-highrise-and-housing-density-rules-from-november/WQPDIB4NVREY3OZMGYKYOWQHXI/

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