East Auckland turn out for public meeting on intensification

Auckland Council is proposing changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan – the city’s rulebook for where new homes and businesses can be built. These proposed changes - known as Proposed Plan Change 120 - respond to central government direction for more housing and allow the council to strengthen its natural hazard rules.

On Tuesday night there was a public information session for East Auckland to understand more about the proposed changes and what it might mean for their communities. Originally there wasn't one specifically planned for East Auckland, with an earlier event in Ōtara (which I attended) intended to cover South and East Auckland. Howick Ward Councillors Bo Burns and Maurice Williamson asked staff to arrange one which they did. Given the potential impact of the changes, it was no surprise that there was a strong turnout with over 400 residents turning up. There were representatives from most of the local residents associations and other community groups as well as Councillors and Local Board Members.

Staff provided an overview of the proposed changes, before responding to questions received via an electronic system. Given the number of people in the room, I understand the need for structure although many residents were disappointed that there was no opportunity for verbal comments or questions (as we saw at the other event in Ōtara).

Key points from the presentation
🏘️Intensification has been mandated by the Government through legislation and Auckland must respond.
🏘️Better protections against natural hazards have come into immediate legal effect, giving council more powers to restrict or decline development in high risk areas.
🏘️Intensification is focused around town centres and rapid transport although, because of the requirement to meet 2 million dwellings,
🏘️Submissions are how the public can have their say and will shape the future of the plan.

Most importantly please make sure you complete your submission before it closes on 19 December. See https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-future-housing-plan

Submissions will be read by the Independent Hearing Commissioners with an option for residents to speak to their submission, before a recommendation is made to Auckland Council for final decision in mid-2027.

I've tried to capture some of the key questions below that were asked and roughly the answers given but these aren't verbatim - please ask if you need clarification on anything here.

❓How will Auckland Council manage stormwater runoff causing sewerage overflows now let alone when more infill housing occurs as planned?
Staff acknowledge that infrastructure is already a challenge, and catering for growth remains difficult while trying to maintain what we have. Funding is a major constraint and the Government has promised to provide more options, although we’re still waiting for this.

❓Where does the 2 million dwelling target come from?
It is a theoretical maximum based on fully developing everywhere across Auckland using the (now defunct) Medium Density Residential Standards (often referred to as 3x3 as it allowed three buildings up to three storeys). Auckland Council doesn't agree with this target, but Government included it within the legislation so we have no choice but to comply.

❓What changes will the council implement to keep the streets clear for vehicles so that oncoming traffic can pass on the main streets?
Auckland Council cannot require parking because the previous Government removed this option and the new Government has not returned it.

❓As Howick is not on a public transport corridor, and is in fact, isolated from direct rapid public transport, why are we included in this intensification plan.
Howick has been designated a town centre which the Government requires upzoning using walkable catchment.

❓6-7 weeks is way too short of time for ratepayers to consider and understand the plan changes
Auckland Council agrees it is too short but it's been mandated by the Government. This is not how or when council would do it if we had the choice.

❓Do covenants still take precedence over unitary plans and if so why is council not supporting them?
Yes, they do still take precedent. They're managed through the Property Act and enforced through courts. However, Auckland Council cannot rely on them as part of the zoning process as they're not part of the Resource Management Act (RMA).

❓Fundamentally, why is intensification required? Auckland is not going to follow other cities with populations over 5m people, for probably 50 yrs. Why now?
Auckland Council has always said that growth, managed well, is good and required for the city to succeed. Successive governments have agreed, pushing Auckland to grow faster than council has planned.

❓Has there been any consideration for the Heritage sites in Howick and the rich historical history that will be lost amongst the proposed high rise developments?
It has been considered and protections like the Stockade Hill View Shaft are maintained.

❓What about the value of my house?
Zoning can lead to increases or decreases in property prices, as the land values change and markets respond. Higher zoned land may be worth more to a developer than it was before. Protection of property value isn't covered by the the Resource Management Act (RMA) so could not be considered as part of this planning process.

❓Is this a done deal?
No, absolutely not. The only thing that has taken effect is the increased protection for natural hazards. The rest of the plan is proposed, pending public submissions, hearings and final decisions. There will be changes, there always are changes so make sure you submit.