Monday 2 September 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Auckland Council fails next generation by restricting housing choices - Generation Zero
Youth organisation, Generation Zero, is disappointed that Councillors have restricted future housing choices for the
next generation by imposing extensive density controls and height limits in the Draft Unitary Plan.
Spokesperson for Generation Zero, Dr Sudhvir Singh; “It’s important that Councillors recognise that this is a long-term
plan which needs to incorporate the changing trends we are observing amongst young people, particularly the increasing
demand for a range of housing choices and a move beyond car dependency.”
Today, the Council passed amendments to enforce stricter density controls and height limits in town centres, despite the
proposed Plan already imposing new height restrictions. Dr Singh: “Every time the Unitary Plan is rolled back and
housing choices are further limited, we are effectively endorsing more urban sprawl and the associated increases in
infrastructure spending, traffic congestion and carbon pollution.”
Prior to today’s amendments, the Plan already enabled over 160,000 new households to be built outside Auckland's
existing urban area. “Young people are calling for density done well, enabling more housing choices in areas where we
work and study. Instead of focussing on height and minimum sizes, Councillors should focus on quality, and ensure that
the Plan enables a range of housing choices that will help Auckland overcome the major challenges of housing
affordability and climate change” says Dr Singh.
ENDS