Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger expressed disappointment at the government’s decision to reject the city’s proposed custom carve-out of national housing intensification rules. Minister for Resource Management Act Reform Chris Bishop issued a final decision on 17 of the 20 recommendations put forward by the city council, largely dismissing the council’s proposals.
The rejected proposals aimed to shape a unique response to the national housing density policy, as outlined in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development. The plan, which focused on increasing housing intensification in key urban areas, faced opposition from the council despite bipartisan support for the Resource Management Amendment Bill.
The council’s rejection of the Medium Density Residential Standards led to years of consultation and hearings on Plan Change 14, designed to implement the standards in a way that reflected Christchurch’s character. However, Bishop’s recent decision means that certain parts of the city will now be zoned for higher-density housing and taller buildings.
While Mauger described the decision as a “kick in the guts,” urbanist collective Greater Ćtautahi welcomed the certainty it brings. The decision will not result in immediate changes but sets the city up for future growth and development. The collective emphasized the need for improvements in public transport to support the city’s evolving urban landscape.
The debate surrounding housing density reflects broader discussions about how and where New Zealanders live. Greater Ćtautahi highlighted the importance of providing housing options that cater to diverse preferences and lifestyles. They also stressed the need for higher building standards to ensure that all homes are of good quality and meet the needs of residents.
The decisions made by Bishop are final and cannot be appealed, signaling a new phase in Christchurch’s urban development. The council now has until the end of the year to finalize density rules for the rest of the city, following years of deliberation and expenditure on the issue.
Overall, while the government’s decision may have been disappointing for some, it marks a significant step towards shaping Christchurch’s future urban landscape in line with national housing policies.
