Revamp planning system, end crisis

The Commission released its Better Urban Planning report today and it recommends a radical shakeup of the existing system which would make development easier and less costly – and put a halt to escalating house prices.

This is important as New Zealand’s high growth cities, particularly Auckland, have been struggling to deal with the challenges resulting from that growth, such as housing supply and infrastructure.

Commission chair Murray Sherwin said well-functioning successful cities matter a great deal to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

“Urban planning helps to maximise the benefits of cities, by providing essential infrastructure services and community facilities and by managing conflicting interests of residents.