Urban Development News from the media | 6 May 2025 | Auckland Council to consult on the future use of Western Springs Stadium

Auckland Council to consult on the future use of Western Springs Stadium

Three options for the future use of Western Springs Stadium will go out to public consultation this month, before the council makes a final recommendation later this year. 

Auckland Council’s Governing Body agreed to invite Aucklanders to give their feedback on the future use of Western Springs Stadium before determining a preferred direction. 

Max Hardy, Director of Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office, says Western Springs Stadium is a valued venue with a long history in Auckland. 

“Western Springs has served as an important venue for sports, large-scale outdoor festivals and concerts. 
“Through this process, we are seeking Aucklanders’ views on the future opportunities for the site and how it could continue to contribute to the city’s sports, entertainment, and community life. 

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/05/auckland-council-to-consult-on-the-future-use-of-western-springs-stadium/

Manawatū Tararua Highway open soon

Faster, more frequent, and reliable public transport for Auckland’s growing northwest is a step closer, following a decision by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board to endorse the Northwest Rapid Transit investment case, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

Minister of Transport Chris Bishop has confirmed the Manawatū Tararua Highway will be opened to traffic from June 2025, restoring an important connection for communities and businesses on both sides of the Tararua Ranges.

“The new highway between Ashhurst and Woodville will replace State Highway 3 through the Manawatū Gorge, which was permanently closed in April 2017 due to landslides,” says Mr Bishop.

“Travel times will be greatly improved for both light and heavy vehicles using the new road. General traffic will take between 10 – 12 minutes to drive the road, which is a significant improvement on the current 20 – 25 minute detour route in place. The new road will be safer and more resilient than the road it’s replacing.

“The road will support productivity for businesses by improving travel times for freight and lowering vehicle operating costs. This corridor is an important freight link between Hawke’s Bay-Wairarapa and the Manawatu-Whanganui regions. Having an efficient, four-lane highway, divided by a median barrier through this transport corridor will boost economic growth for this part of the country and the rest of the North Island.”

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/manawat%C5%AB-tararua-highway-open-soon

Christchurch council builds new model for subdivision approvals

Christchurch City Council is working on a new process to ensure subdivisions have all appropriate approvals before starting construction.

Subdivision resource consents require developers to construct roads and roading infrastructure inside the new development, as well as appropriate connections to existing Council infrastructure. Once work is complete, the new roads are vested in Council.

However, Council staff recently found some construction, particularly new infrastructure on and connections to existing roads, was carried out without appropriate Community Board or Council approval.  

General Manager City Infrastructure, Brent Smith says staff are now aware of this requirement and will ensure all necessary approvals are obtained before work is carried out. 

“Work carried out at various sites has been guided by the goal of ensuring safety for both residents and travellers as efficiently as possible. Efforts have focussed on creating safe access for vehicles as well as safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Mr Smith.

https://insidegovernment.co.nz/christchurch-council-builds-new-model-for-subdivision-approvals/

Auckland Council monthly housing update, April 2025

April highlights:

• 1057 dwellings were consented in February 2025.
• In the year ending February 2025, 13,744 dwellings were consented in the region.
• 33 per cent of new dwellings consented in February 2025 were houses, 6 per cent were apartments and 61 per cent were townhouses, flats, units, retirement village units, or other types of attached dwellings.
• 10 dwellings were consented on Kāinga Ora or Tāmaki Regeneration Company owned land in February 2025.
• 993 dwellings consented in February 2025 were inside the RUB. Over the past 12 months, 95 per cent of new dwellings consented were inside the RUB.
• 24 per cent of dwellings consented were inside the 1500m walking catchments of the rapid transit network in February 2025.
• 67 dwellings were consented on properties overlapping hazard zones in February 2025, accounting for 6 per cent of total dwellings consented. Over the past 12 months, 15 per cent of new dwellings were consented on properties overlapping a hazard zone.
• 899 dwellings were ‘completed’ by having a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) issued in February 2025.

https://www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz/publications/auckland-monthly-housing-update-april-2025/

📰 Subscribe to this newsletter 📰

📒 Check out our complementary practice notes 📒

🏡🚀 Exciting News! Introducing priceHome app: Test Your Auckland Property Market Knowledge! 🚀🏡