Auckland Council has opened public consultation on changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan as part of implementing central government’s new requirements for greater housing density across the city.

Aucklanders can have their say from Tuesday 19 April to Monday 9 May 2022 and view draft planning maps showing where greater building height and density is required. This is available at akhaveyoursay.nz/housing

The National Policy Statement on Urban Development requires the council to enable buildings of six storeys or more within walking distances to our city centre, 10 large metropolitan centres and around train stations and stops on the Northern Busway. It also requires the council to enable greater heights and density within and around Auckland’s other suburban centres.

The Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act requires the council to enable more medium-density housing of up to three storeys across almost all Auckland suburbs.

The council is seeking feedback on some proposed changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan, including:

• The size of the walking distances where buildings of six storeys or more must be enabled
• The size of the areas around our suburban town and local centres where additional height and density of buildings can occur, and what the building height and density limits should be
• The ‘qualifying matters’ the council has identified as relevant and important for Auckland. These are the characteristics within some areas that may allow the council to reduce building heights and density, which include identified special character areas and important local public views.