The Ōrākei Local Board has voted to challenge the proposed Resource Management Amendment Bill, which targets the city’s need for intensive development and the building of more homes, more quickly.

The local board has questioned the need for the proposed bill and recommended the government should be asked to “pause and engage” with Auckland Council. The board argues that Auckland’s Unitary Plan already supports public and private sector development and housing supply across Auckland and enables opportunities for different housing types and increased supply.

It also has concerns over exemptions for character and heritage areas and the increased risk of bad planning and design outcomes.

Ōrākei Local Board Chair, Scott Milne, says: “We call for other Local Boards to join us at this fundamental checkpoint. The Bill seems unnecessary for the objectives it seeks to achieve and will not lead to a substantial increased supply of affordable housing for many areas of this city.”

Read the full media release: media-release-olb-amendment-bill-22-10-2021

Image: Auckland Council