The Government has confirmed the use of a streamlined planning process for Auckland Council’s new housing plan, known as Plan Change 120 (PC120), RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has announced.
The move follows Auckland Council’s withdrawal of the previous Plan Change 78, which included the controversial Medium Density Residential Standards. The council sought greater flexibility to exclude those rules and reduce housing density in flood-prone areas while still maintaining overall housing capacity across the city.
Under the new process, PC120 will run over 20 months, with public submissions open from 3 November to 19 December 2025 and hearings in 2026. A panel of eight to nine members will oversee the hearings, with four appointed by the Government and the rest by the council.
Bishop said the Government’s statement of expectations would ensure Auckland’s housing growth supports development while making the most of City Rail Link investment. The statement also directs the council to consider greenfield development and ensure all rapid transit stops are included.
The direction, published in the *New Zealand Gazette*, takes effect immediately. Bishop said the process ensures Aucklanders have a strong voice in shaping the city’s growth while supporting new housing options and infrastructure investment.
Image credit: Eric Feng
Auckland is a pox hole
A blight on the landscape
Mutton dressed up as lamb
Or in Kiwiana a f*ckup
Slip sliding away
Now the bad news
A very helpful comment