Auckland Council releases feedback on medium- and high-density housing rule changes: are you ready for the new rules?

YIJU's article of 5 May(click to read) reported that Auckland Council sought Aucklanders' feedback on proposed changes to medium- and high-density housing rules from 19 April to 9 May this year. The consultation aimed to understand residents' views on the new medium- and high-density rules in the Auckland Unitary Plan, and whether the Government should allow more high-density housing across Auckland.

Image source: Auckland Council website

Among the 7860 submissions received by the council, most Aucklanders supported Auckland Council's proposal to apply the Terraced Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone to highly accessible residential areas around 400 metres from large town centres and 200 metres from small town centres or large local centres. They also supported the proposal's provisions allowing apartment buildings of 6 storeys or more at 10 metropolitan centres and rapid transit stations, alongside qualifying matters allowing exceptions in certain special character areas — exemptions from the three- and six-storey building height requirements.

Image source: Auckland Council website

In this consultation, 70% of submitters strongly supported using qualifying matters, or exemptions, to modify urban intensification rules in areas with significant, long-term infrastructure constraints, such as transport, water supply or wastewater treatment. Research agency Kantar Public also conducted an independent, demographically representative survey of more than 2000 people for the council, to ensure the views of ordinary Aucklanders from all walks of life were heard.
(A full summary of the consultation feedback can be found on the akhaveyoursay.nz/housing website.) 

YIJU believes that the new Housing Supply Bill, jointly announced by New Zealand's Labour and National parties in October last year, has sparked widespread discussion and debate across New Zealand. Faced with growing urban housing demand and affordability problems for ordinary people, the introduction of new medium- and high-density housing development rules is inevitable. YIJU therefore has to ask: are property developers, builders and all of us as ordinary residents ready for the new Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS)?

Not long ago, New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association (NZCBIA) president Frank Xu said the medium-density housing market was currently “relatively disorganised”. A new era often brings both opportunities and challenges. Achieving further progress requires seizing opportunities and, more importantly, knowing how to tackle the challenges. The arrival of the medium-density era will profoundly influence integration and development across the entire industry chain. Every stage — from development management and capital management to design and building standards, construction contract management, project management, workforce training and materials supply services — will give substantial impetus to the property and construction industry.

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If you want to gain a deeper understanding, explore the issues and find effective solutions, you simply must attend this year's event in month 8, from 19 to 20: the New Zealand International Building Expo (NZIBES) and Summit. The annual NZIBES has become one of New Zealand's largest construction industry events, focusing on connecting the industry and facilitating collaboration to support its healthy development. This year's event will also focus on “medium- and high-density housing”. Building on previous years' experience, the organisers will invite numerous construction industry and council representatives to deliver themed on-site seminars. As always, the event will offer local building materials suppliers, developers, architects/designers, developers and related businesses throughout the supply chain a valuable platform——to share industry information and innovative ideas, discuss industry issues and find solutions.

2021 edition of NZIBES: an overview

For businesses and brands, meanwhile, NZIBES offers an excellent opportunity to showcase themselves and increase brand exposure. YIJU understands from the organisers that demand for exhibition space this year has been unprecedented, with almost all stands booked and several leading industry brands returning as sponsors.

PlaceMakers ’s CEO Bruce McEwen said: “The annual NZIBES is one of the industry's best events. It offers an opportunity to learn about the latest industry developments and hear experts' insights and ideas. It is also an excellent chance to showcase ourselves. I encourage everyone to attend NZIBES with an open mind, learn about and absorb the latest industry information, and ensure they keep pace with the market.”

Barfoot & Thompson managing director Peter Thompson said: “Real estate is just one part of the construction industry. We value opportunities to share our brand with other parts of the industry and collaborate with them. NZIBES provides a valuable, unique platform that helps Barfoot & Thompson build partnerships with leading overseas and local suppliers.”

Having first become a diamond sponsor last year, the kitchen appliance brand Sub-Zero & Wolf’s exclusive New Zealand distributor — Eurotech Design will continue supporting NZIBES this year as a diamond sponsor and key partner. Eurotech Design CEO Sophia Bristow said the team wanted to use the event to promote its brands more widely, helping more people understand the product advantages of Sub-Zero & Wolf and Eurotech Design. “We are fortunate to meet like-minded people through NZIBES. Sharing information, exchanging ideas, and building new connections and friendships — that is what we look forward to.”

2022 edition of NZIBES: exhibitor recruitment is nearing completion. As the largest annual gathering for New Zealand's Chinese construction and property industry, it offers a rare opportunity to showcase your company's capabilities and brand influence. Don't miss out!

The 2022 NZCBIA Annual Gala Dinner and NZCBIA Excellence Awards ceremony will be held at the Corids hotel on the evening of 19 August.

Regarded as the “Oscars” of New Zealand's Chinese construction industry and the dinner's main highlight, the NZCBIA Excellence Awards ceremony invites industry leaders and professionals to celebrate businesses and individuals who have made valuable contributions to the industry's growth over recent years. The third NZCBIA Excellence Awards feature eleven awards across six categories: development, design, construction, project management, collaboration and safety management.
Join the gala dinner and witness a major event in the industry's year! Tickets are selling fast, with limited places remaining, so book promptly.

For sponsorship and gala dinner bookings, contact Pauline Gao: 021 363 389 / pauline@multimarketing.co.nz