Old houses in Dexter Ave in Mt Eden, Auckland. Photo: Photo / Lauren Baker
Ever since the plans for greater housing intensification in Auckland were revealed less that six months ago, there has been outrage in some of the affected suburbs. The proposal from the RMA reform minister, Chris Bishop, was to allow the council to opt out of medium density provisions across the whole city, and to focus instead on greater intensification near transport hubs, specifically train stations.
The plans include a target of 2 million new homes and taller apartment blocks. The areas most affected are the older, more affluent suburbs, often home to heritage houses. The backlash started immediately with a series of local meetings discussing fears over the impact of high rise buildings on roads, old pipes and any possible drop in the value of their homes. But come the new year and a State of the Nation speech, and Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, is signalling some sort of a u-turn on the housing intensification plans.
David Seymour, Act leader and Deputy Prime Minister, but also the local MP for Epsom joins Kathryn to discuss his opposition to the proposals.
