Government Promises Aucklanders a Strong Voice in City’s Future Growth Plans

The Government has confirmed that Aucklanders will have a direct say in shaping the city’s housing and urban growth, with RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announcing a transparent consultation process on Auckland Council’s replacement for Plan Change 78 (PC78).

Plan Change 78 was introduced as part of the Government’s Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS), requiring councils to enable more housing growth in existing urban areas. However, Auckland Council argued that the policy limited its ability to respond to local needs and protect areas vulnerable to flooding and other natural hazards.

In response to concerns, Parliament passed legislation last month granting Auckland Council the ability to withdraw PC78. This decision effectively returns greater control to local decision-makers, while still requiring the Council to deliver equivalent housing capacity through a replacement plan.

Local Choice Over Housing Growth

Chris Bishop said the Government’s approach ensures Aucklanders and their communities can help decide how and where growth occurs.

“If Auckland withdraws Plan Change 78, the Council must notify a replacement plan change which provides for equivalent housing capacity – but Aucklanders and Auckland communities will have much more choice and discretion about where that growth occurs,” Bishop explained.

The removal of the one-size-fits-all MDRS would allow the Council to design a growth strategy tailored to the city’s unique needs, balancing housing supply, resilience, and quality of life.

Unlocking the Benefits of the City Rail Link

A key part of the new planning direction will be a requirement for greater housing density around the stations of the new City Rail Link (CRL). Bishop said this is widely accepted as the most effective way to maximise the benefits of the multibillion-dollar public transport investment.

“Pretty much everyone agrees that greater housing density around CRL stations makes sense. It’s how we unlock the full benefits of this once-in-a-generation public transport investment,” he said.

Public Consultation and Independent Hearings

The Government has confirmed that, subject to receiving formal notice from Auckland Council, the public consultation period is likely to run from 3 November to 19 December 2025. This window will give Aucklanders a clear opportunity to provide feedback on how the city should grow.

In the new year, hearings will be held before an Independent Hearings Panel (IHP), allowing residents, community groups, and stakeholders to present their views. The panel will then review submissions and provide recommendations, ensuring the process is not only transparent but also grounded in expert oversight.

Timeline for Certainty

Bishop signalled that the entire plan change process will take around 18 months, giving certainty to Aucklanders after what he described as years of delay and uncertainty.

“This process ensures local voices are at the centre of decisions on Auckland’s growth, while creating more housing options, making the most of the City Rail Link, and setting the city up for the future,” Bishop concluded.

The Road Ahead

Aucklanders will soon face an important choice: how to balance housing demand with liveability, resilience, and the character of their neighbourhoods. With the CRL opening expected to reshape commuting patterns, the new plan change will not only affect where people live, but also how the city develops for decades to come.