Crown Land Programme is a milestone in addressing Auckland’s housing crisis
Property Council believes the identification of approximately 500 hectares of land in four sites in Auckland is proof
that the Government is taking the housing crisis seriously.
Yesterday, Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith unveiled the Government’s Crown Land Programme which includes Massey
East, Manukau, Avondale and Hobsonville.
It appears the Massey East project is the first project to begin, while sites in South Auckland and Avondale are
earmarked for apartments with 60 units each.
Property Council chief executive Connal Townsend says he is greatly encouraged by Nick Smith’s comments, demonstrating
the Government’s desire to work with the development sector to ramp up housing supply.
“This is a clear testament to the Government’s seriousness and commitment to addressing Auckland’s housing issue.
“We are also very pleased about Government’s approach, by intending to partner with iwi, community housing providers and
the Auckland Council Properties Limited/Development Auckland.
“We are also very encouraged by Minister Smith’s comments about infrastructure provision being relatively
straightforward for some of these sites, as delivery has been a major issue in slowing the delivery of several projects,
including those in in Special Housing Areas.”
Mr Townsend also says it’s a relief to see the Government on the same page as Property Council on density being key to
addressing the shortfall in Auckland’s housing supply.
“The announcement by Dr Smith, together with some of the projects being undertaken by the Auckland Council Properties
Limited, reaffirm our advocacy position on the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan.
“The Mixed Housing Zone needs to be reinstated to be a Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings zone with more flexible
density concessions provided.”
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