Government housing intensification rules 2025

The story so far

Housing Minister Chris Bishop rejected most of the Christchurch City Council's proposals for a custom housing development plan, a decision Mayor Phil Mauger called a blow after a three-year effort.^{7 Jun 2025} Others welcomed the decision for providing certainty.^{7 Jun 2025} Bishop later criticised the council for delays in housing intensification, and a senior city councillor responded after a speech in Wellington.^{19 Jun 2025} The Government is also introducing new powers that would let the minister overrule local council planning decisions.^{19 Jun 2025} In Auckland, the Government instructed Auckland Council to allow apartment buildings of at least 15 storeys near certain train stations, including areas around Maungawhau, Kingsland and Morningside, ahead of the City Rail Link's completion.^{25 Jun 2025} Bishop said central intensification aims to use existing infrastructure, and the Auckland Council reportedly broadly agrees with the high-rise directive.^{26 Jun 2025}

Latest

The newest developments concern Auckland, where the Government is requiring higher housing density around key City Rail Link stations, and the council reportedly broadly agrees.^{25, 26 Jun 2025}

What's next

The Government is introducing new powers that would allow the minister to overrule local council planning decisions.^{19 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 7 Jun 2025Minister rejects most of Christchurch council's custom housing development proposals.
2. 19 Jun 2025Bishop criticises Christchurch council delays; Government announces powers to overrule councils.
3. 25 Jun 2025Government mandates apartment buildings of at least 15 storeys near Auckland stations.
4. 26 Jun 2025Bishop says central intensification uses existing infrastructure; council reportedly broadly agrees.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.