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I agree with Christine Fletcher we all need to submit to council and have our say, it's too much.
THE FACTS
Plan Change 120 is contentious, with concerns about Auckland Council’s approach to increasing housing density.
Christine Fletcher and Troy Churton argue the plan’s two-million … View moreI agree with Christine Fletcher we all need to submit to council and have our say, it's too much.
THE FACTS
Plan Change 120 is contentious, with concerns about Auckland Council’s approach to increasing housing density.
Christine Fletcher and Troy Churton argue the plan’s two-million house target is excessive and lacks evidence.
They urge submissions by December 19, emphasising the need for evidence-based, staged development.
Plan Change 120 is one of the most contentious plans ever proposed by Auckland Council.
Every Aucklander wanting quality intensification of our city needs to go to the “Have your say” page of the council’s website and submit on PC120 before December 19. Here’s why.
While we support intensification along our rail corridors (this has been anticipated since Britomart was planned), with PC120, the Government has flexed its muscles too far with its legislative requirements for Auckland.
Christchurch pushed back on its Medium Density Residential requirements, eventually agreeing with the Government on a 30-year high growth capacity with a 20% buffer. This is the equivalent of 65,000 additional houses, a big departure from what was originally proposed.
For an alternative view, read this: Why Auckland needs to grow – Chris Bishop
Yet Auckland – with no evidence that a projection of two million houses was needed – conceded to the minister’s requirement that this was the golden number that had to be met or exceeded.
Auckland Council’s plan change response is a capitulation to the Government. Every planner we’ve met has said: “It’s a rushed job.” Yes, we had to fast-track a plan change enabling natural hazard controls to be implemented, but our council did not challenge the Government’s blanket approach, the way Christchurch’s did.
Any radical re-zoning to achieve intensification must be evidence-based. What evidence is there that Auckland requires a capacity of two million homes over 100 years or needs that enshrined now, and if so, shouldn’t there be staging and sequencing to ensure both physical and social infrastructure are in place?
A far more reasonable target for zoning would be to allow for or anticipate 1.2-1.4 million houses in the medium term, with a potential for more to be added in the future.
Developers are not unreasonably constrained from building apartments close to train stations under the Auckland Unitary Plan right now. Take the new Simplicity high-rise development beside Greenlane train station or the Ockham high-rise development adjacent to Grafton station by way of example.
Further, contrary to political “nice speak” by Bishop, Mayor Wayne Brown and the council communications team, a two-million capacity “built into zoning” now does not create choices. Nor does it prevent poor outcomes. The timeframes for development are just too long to offer assurances. Those in leadership will be dead and buried before foreseeable unintended consequences arise from this plan.
Take the blanketing of much of the city with higher-rise buildings and intensity regardless of its built character. Under the new plan, “residual” residential areas – those outside walkable catchments and town centres – have mostly Mixed House Urban (MHU, three storeys permitted) and token Mixed Housing Suburban (two storeys), zoning blanketed like Caulerpa over them. It’s a modelling trick based on the idea that three storeys delivers greater floor area and more potential units per site, and it’s only because our planners are bending backwards to meet an irrational two-million threshold.
Government assumptions that large-scale development of apartment buildings is a feasible way to provide for affordable housing are unsubstantiated.
Not every site will suit, nor will a developer want three storeys on a site or 15 storeys on a site within 800m of a train station. The indiscriminate, blanket MHU zoning in residual residential areas means we will see sporadic three-storey buildings amongst existing villas or one- and two-storey houses, with some sites filled with far more than three units and some perhaps with three or less: net result, an incohesive tossed salad.
So, minister, rejecting the medium density rules of the last plan and replacing them with far worse does not deliver Auckland “what it asked for”.
Recognising the outcry of supporting Labour’s 2021 housing enabling bill and the Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) that eventuated under PC78, National then campaigned on the basis that it would make the MDRS “optional”. National did not disclose that it planned to require any replacement to Plan Change 78 to provide for the same excessive number of dwellings in any proposed replacement.
The current operative plan, the Auckland Unitary Plan, provides for approximately 900,000 new dwellings, including significant provision for terraced housing and apartment buildings on main traffic corridors.
Many developers and interest groups agree that the real constraint is infrastructure, not opportunity. If a first-home buyer wants to try to purchase a unit near a train station or a bus route, the Auckland Unitary Plan enables that sort of development to happen now.
Watercare Services Ltd, for instance, lacks working capital to build new infrastructure, which will only be paid for by developers when it has been completed – a complete disincentive to development anyway. The infrastructure constraint is not satisfactorily dealt with either under Plan Change 120.
Technical reports from planning staff outline the significant departures PC120 represents from previous plans. Bishop and his Government need to have the leadership to concede that fast-tracking a two-million, capacity-based plan change is the wrong approach to enabling quality, affordable housing for the generations to come.
Each desirable major city in the world has its own special appeal, which is carefully conserved by governments in harmony with provision for density. With PC120, we’re failing to even recognise our own appeal, let alone conserve it.
We urge you to make a submission by December 19. It is a busy time and the plan is complex, but you need only make a brief submission now to ensure you are part of the process moving forward. Some residents associations have templates to assist and the council has a Friends of Submitter service you may access.
Join us for a special cooking class and learn how to make Ghormeh Sabzi - one of the most iconic and beloved Iranian dishes. This ancient Persian stew has been enjoyed for over a thousand years and is often celebrated as the national dish of Iran.
Details:
• Saturday 13 December
• … View moreJoin us for a special cooking class and learn how to make Ghormeh Sabzi - one of the most iconic and beloved Iranian dishes. This ancient Persian stew has been enjoyed for over a thousand years and is often celebrated as the national dish of Iran.
Details:
• Saturday 13 December
• 11.30am-1.30pm
• Cost: $70 per person
• Epsom Community Centre
• Led by Persian Cafe
During this workshop, you’ll:
• Watch a live demonstration of the cooking process
• Learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the dish
• Enjoy sharing the finished meal together
To book your spot or ask any questions, simply email: mozhgan2146@gmail.com
Selling a beautiful solid timber bookshelf, a charming piece that brings warmth to any space. It features four open shelves, perfect for your favourite books, plants, or decorative items, and a handy bottom drawer for extra storage. The top has a unique arched design with a decorative iron insert.
… View moreSelling a beautiful solid timber bookshelf, a charming piece that brings warmth to any space. It features four open shelves, perfect for your favourite books, plants, or decorative items, and a handy bottom drawer for extra storage. The top has a unique arched design with a decorative iron insert.
This is a sturdy and well-made piece, ready for its new home.
Dimensions:
• Height: 180-190 cm
• Width: 60-70 cm
• Depth: 30-35 cm
In good shape.
Hi
my bike was stolen last Thursday 27/11 at 7.30am outside 14 Allen Road grey lynn. If anyone sees this either for sale or being ridden can they please send me a text 021328112
Many thanks
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LDV V80 4 berth campervan 2015
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The Red Cross Shop K Road has kitchen inspiration and sweet fashion for your Christmas plans 🎂
📍191 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
🕐 Mon-Sun: 9.00am to 5.30pm
📞 093778072
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0800 943 439
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Shopping has become such a big part of our everyday lives, and the choices we make can influence more than we realise.
If you’d like to make those dollars work harder for our local communities, consider choosing small. Households spend more than $110 billion with big businesses each year. … View moreShopping has become such a big part of our everyday lives, and the choices we make can influence more than we realise.
If you’d like to make those dollars work harder for our local communities, consider choosing small. Households spend more than $110 billion with big businesses each year. Shifting a portion of that toward small, local retailers can make a huge difference for the wider small-business economy.
Read business journalist Aimee Shaw's piece.
There have been recent detections of yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) in Auckland.
If you think you have found a hornet or its nest in your area, take a clear photo and report:
• online at report.mpi.govt.nz
• by calling our exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66
The… View moreThere have been recent detections of yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) in Auckland.
If you think you have found a hornet or its nest in your area, take a clear photo and report:
• online at report.mpi.govt.nz
• by calling our exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66
The yellow-legged hornet has distinctive dark legs with bright yellow tips. Hornets are also much larger than honeybees and common wasp species seen in New Zealand.
The yellow-legged hornet is a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations.
Hey Neighbours,
This is the final stretch. Black Friday at Beds4U is almost over and the best deals of the entire year are disappearing fast. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your bed or mattress, this is it.
Once these offers are gone, they will not return.
Visit … View moreHey Neighbours,
This is the final stretch. Black Friday at Beds4U is almost over and the best deals of the entire year are disappearing fast. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your bed or mattress, this is it.
Once these offers are gone, they will not return.
Visit any of our 31 stores across New Zealand today, try the comfort in person, and secure your deal before the last units sell out.
Final Week Black Friday Highlights
• Up to 70% OFF NZ made beds
• Up to 50% OFF Tempur
• Sealy Posturepedic with our Lowest Price Guarantee
• Free Premium Pillows, Free Delivery and Free Size Upgrades on select beds
Stocks are moving quickly. Some sizes and models are already running low. Better sleep, bigger beds and premium comfort are all on the line. This is your last chance Neighbours.
Find your nearest store: beds4u.co.nz...
See all deals: beds4u.co.nz...
Hurry in. When these deals are gone, they are gone for good.
Come explore our newly renovated animal centre, enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, family-friendly games, a Better Eggs BBQ, and fun activities for kids — including SPCA Inspector dress-ups!
?️ Tours are limited and booking up fast, so pre-book on the SPCA website to secure your spot.
Bring … View moreCome explore our newly renovated animal centre, enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, family-friendly games, a Better Eggs BBQ, and fun activities for kids — including SPCA Inspector dress-ups!
?️ Tours are limited and booking up fast, so pre-book on the SPCA website to secure your spot.
Bring the whānau, meet the team and see how SPCA helps protect animals in need. We’d love to see you there!?
Address: 6 Rawiri Place, Hobsonville, Auckland 0618
Book your tour at: centreopenday.spca.nz...
There’s lots to explore on the ocean floor by transforming terracotta pots into sensational sea creatures using Resene paint. Gather the kids and your Resene testpots. Find out how to make and paint your own ocean friends with these easy step by step instructions.
At Moore Markhams, we work alongside you to understand your goals and help you navigate challenges, from tax compliance to business strategy.
As part of a global network, we provide local expertise backed by international connections, so you’re supported every step of the way.
Discover how… View moreAt Moore Markhams, we work alongside you to understand your goals and help you navigate challenges, from tax compliance to business strategy.
As part of a global network, we provide local expertise backed by international connections, so you’re supported every step of the way.
Discover how Moore Markhams Auckland and our nationwide team can help your business thrive.
From 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the … View moreFrom 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
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