RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says Aucklanders will get a clear chance to have their say on the city’s future growth if Auckland Council withdraws its current intensification plan (Plan Change 78) and lodges a replacement.
Parliament recently passed legislation—at the Council’s request—allowing PC78 to be withdrawn and giving the Council discretion not to apply the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) and to downzone areas vulnerable to natural hazards such as flooding. If PC78 is withdrawn, the Council must notify a replacement plan change that provides equivalent overall housing capacity, but with more choice over where growth occurs.
“As part of this process, the Government will also require greater housing density around key City Rail Link (CRL) stations to unlock the full benefits of that investment,” Bishop said.
Bishop has indicated the following (subject to formal notice from Auckland Council):
- Public submissions: proposed 3 November–19 December window.
- Hearings: to be held in the new year before an Independent Hearings Panel.
- Overall timeframe: around 18 months to reach decisions, aiming for certainty while allowing robust consideration of (likely many) submissions.
“By giving Auckland Council the option to withdraw PC78, we’ve returned decision-making to locals,” Bishop said. “Aucklanders will have robust opportunities to participate in how and where housing growth happens.”
The Council is scheduled to vote on whether to withdraw PC78 on 24 September. If it proceeds, it will formally notify the Minister, who will then issue the final direction confirming timeframes and process.
What changes are on the table
- Local discretion on MDRS: Council may choose not to apply blanket medium-density standards.
- Natural hazard response: Ability to downzone in flood-prone or otherwise vulnerable areas.
- CRL-focused density: Mandatory up-zoning near key CRL stations.
- Public process: Formal submissions and independent hearings before final decisions.
Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee has sought a transparent process with extended submission timeframes and independent hearings; the Minister’s outline aligns with that request.
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