Millions already spent on policy that could change

Cash-strapped Auckland Council has spent millions implementing government directives on greater intensification – which are now threatened by National’s rethink on the issue.

Labour and National joined forces in a bipartisan accord to pass a National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) in 2022, which directed city councils to allow the building of three three-storey town houses on single sites in many suburbs.

Auckland Council was required by central government to implement changes to its planning rules to allow for the greater intensification.

At the end of last month, the external costs for implementing the NPS-UD sat at $3.9 million, according to figures released to the Devonport Flagstaff under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.

The bill includes legal, planning and other professional services, as well communications and engagement activities to inform Aucklanders about Proposed Plan Change 78 – Intensification, said Auckland Council general manager for plans and places, John Duguid.

However, the true amount of cost is likely to be millions more.

“Internal/staff costs for implementing the NPS-UD have been met within existing budgets,” council said in reply to the Flagstaff.

The entire plan-change process has been complicated by the flood and cyclone damage across Auckland earlier this year.

The government has allowed a year’s deferral of the intensification plan changes while the damage and flood-prone implications to planning are accessed.

The intensification process has been muddied further by National saying it would be open to “sensible changes” to the housing accord after the election.

Many of its constituents in blue-chip suburbs were far from keen on town-house developments next door.