Auckland doesn’t need a plan for two million more houses, it needs a 30 year plan.
A wall of 6-15-storey apartments blocking the enjoyment we all get from the glistening waters of the Waitematā. This is the image shared with me again and again by the people I’m elected to represent, as they struggle to make sense of the submission process for PC120.
Freemans Bay, St Marys Bay, Herne Bay and Parnell, Auckland’s first suburb, contain some of the city’s most treasured Special Character Areas. The feedback is strong, unified and filled with concern: opposition to Plan Change 120 (PC120) that requires provision for two million new houses across Auckland.
One resident described PC120 as “nothing less than the blanket annihilation of Auckland’s Special Character,” a plan that forces Auckland to zone for two million new dwellings regardless of whether those homes are needed, serviced, appropriate or even feasible.
PC120 replaces PC78 which allowed three dwellings of up to three storeys on most residential sites across Auckland. PC120 demands a future city scaled for a population that won’t arrive, and it does so by removing protections that have, for decades, shaped the identity and liveability of suburbs across Central Auckland.
Leadership that listens
Councillors Mike Lee and Christine Fletcher are accessible with their authentic engagement with our community on this critical issue. Both have been willing to ask the hard questions about what a realistic growth scenario for Auckland actually looks like. Cr Fletcher has reminded Aucklanders: “If we plan for two million new dwellings, we should be planning for 56 new primary schools, 23 new secondary schools, and new hospitals.” But there is no plan for significant infrastructure.
Residents Associations are advocating for a practical realism that has been missing from the PC120 conversation. That said they are overwhelmed with residents who struggle to comprehend the widespread eradication of the very character that Auckland Council has previously insisted they preserve.
Where Aucklanders agree and where they don’t
Aucklanders are not opposed to intensification. They simply expect it to be realistic, strategic and sustainable. They agree with intensification around the new CRL stations, including around Mt Eden – Maungawhau Station in Uptown and they agree we should not be building in flood-prone areas.
Intensifying around high-capacity transport is sensible and it’s what successful international cities do. But wiping out entire Special Character neighbourhoods and allowing up to15-storey towers where infrastructure cannot cope – that’s something Aucklanders are simply unwilling to accept.
The AUP already planned well and population growth has slowed
The Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) was recognised globally for its balanced, forward-thinking approach to growth. It already enabled massive capacity for housing, far beyond what the city is currently consuming. Data paints a much clearer picture:
- Auckland’s population growth is sitting at just 1.2%, significantly below historic projections.
- We are currently producing around 15,000 new dwellings a year.
Aucklanders are asking: “Why are we being forced to plan for two million new homes when Auckland doesn’t need them and cannot service them?”
Auckland deserves the same approach as Christchurch
Aucklanders are calling on Central Government to pause the PC120 submissions' process at hearing stage and support Auckland with the international standard of dwelling planning –30 years. Cities around the world plan in 30-year horizons because it ensures planning is flexible and responsive to real demographic trends. Christchurch has been granted a 30-year planning framework. Aucklanders want the same.
The expectation of PC120 that our city must zone for 150 years of projected growth is unrealistic, unnecessary and unsupported by current data. Auckland simply does not need to plan that far ahead in a statutory plan.
This is a critical moment – have your say
As your elected representative, it’s my responsibility to reflect the voices of our community and, right now, your voices are loud and clear:
- You support growth – where it makes sense.
- You support intensification – around the new CRL stations.
- You support three dwellings on each section – where infrastructure already exists.
- But you do not support the reckless blanket requirements in PC120.
- You do not support the erosion of Special Character.
- And you do not support planning for housing numbers that bear no relationship to actual demand.
Submissions on PC120, for or against, are open until 19 December. You can view how it will impact your property here: Plan Changer 120 Map Viewer
If you care about the future of our neighbourhoods, our infrastructure and the character of Auckland Central, take time to be heard – make a submission.
To contact Sarah Trotman, in her capacity as a C&R Member, email her at sarahtrotman@outlook.com
To contact her, in her capacity as an Elected Member of Auckland Council’s Waitematā Local Board, email her at sarah.trotman@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or you can give her a call on M: 021 487 583.
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