Government invests heavily in transport and planning reform.
Auckland is set for a transformational period as the government announces significant investments in transport infrastructure and planning reforms. The key focus is on enabling the city's growth, with a particular emphasis on transport links and housing development.
The government has committed to investing heavily in Auckland's transport system, including the construction of a second harbour crossing, one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in New Zealand's history. A barge is currently conducting geotechnical, environmental, and utilities investigations of the Harbour floor, with early market soundings set to commence soon.
In addition to the harbour crossing, the government has highlighted the importance of the City Rail Link (CRL), which will double Auckland's rail capacity and reduce congestion across the city. The CRL is expected to open next year and is seen as a critical enabler of Auckland's growth.
However, the government has also acknowledged that current planning laws are "fundamentally broken" and has announced plans to scrap the Resource Management Act (RMA) in favour of a new system. The new system will focus on property rights and streamlined decision-making processes, with the aim of making it easier for large projects to gain approval.
The government has also taken steps to address the uncertainty surrounding Auckland Council's plan change process, known as PC 78. This process has been ongoing since mid-2022 but has been delayed due to various factors, including Cyclone Gabrielle and changes in government policy. The government has announced that it will bring forward decisions on the city centre parts of PC 78 by ten months, which is expected to support the enablement of thousands of dwellings and significant development potential.
The government's plans for Auckland are focused on enabling growth and density, with a particular emphasis on transport links and housing development. The new planning system is seen as a key enabler of this growth, and the government has announced that it will make it easier for large projects to gain approval. However, some critics have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the environment and community engagement.
Overall, the government's plans for Auckland represent a significant shift towards enabling growth and density in New Zealand's largest city. While there are still challenges ahead, the government is committed to delivering a brighter future for Auckland.