We are pleased to see many of the themes from our Going for Housing Growth submission reflected in the Government’s announcements – particularly the stronger emphasis on long-term regional spatial plans and better provision for subdivision and infill housing. Over the coming weeks we will work through the detail of the proposals so we can provide further guidance and continue to advocate for architects – and good design – to be embedded in how these reforms are implemented.

Backing a stronger, masterplanned approach to growth

We’re pleased to see 30-year regional spatial plans focused on growth areas, transport and infrastructure and ensuring certain areas are protected, including ensuring we are not building in areas prone to significant natural hazards. We believe this provides a strong roadmap, enabling local communities to further develop their town and neighbourhood plans to give clear long-term certainty to communities and developers, and to tie housing to transport, green space and social infrastructure.

We support a move to greater density, but the question is not just how high we build, but how well new buildings sit within existing streets and suburbs. Sunlight, privacy, outlook, landscape, views and green space all matter. When people can see that these finer-grain elements have been worked through up front, it becomes much clearer that density can be delivered well, which in turn reduces opposition and builds confidence in change. We believe this is possible within the Government’s plans.

We support more density, done well. We see real potential in pattern-book solutions – architect-designed, pre-vetted housing types tied to clear, fast-track planning pathways. International examples show how pattern books for terraces, walk-up apartments and mid-rise housing can lift quality and speed, while giving councils and communities confidence that issues like daylight, ventilation, accessibility and greenery have been resolved from the outset.

Build in first, then build out – with smart infill at the core

We support the intention to free up more land for housing – but how we release and use that land is critical. Building in before we build out must sit at the heart of the new system. Done well, intensifying existing urban areas almost always provides better value for ratepayers, makes smarter use of existing roads, pipes, schools and public transport, and supports more compact and liveable cities. We want to avoid poorly managed peripheral sprawl, which tends to result in higher infrastructure costs, car dependence and fragmented communities.

Apartments along transport corridors are just one part of the equation. We are pleased to see greater scope for subdivision and infill as part of the mix. Greyfield and bluefield sites – particularly state housing areas and under-utilised suburban lots – offer enormous potential to add more homes where infrastructure already exists. The award-winning Pocket Houses in Ōtāhuhu are one example of how we can approach densification in our cities without contributing to urban sprawl, unnecessary use of resources and longer commutes. If we get infill and bluefields right, we can add thousands of well-located homes without the need for new motorways, new water infrastructure and higher rate burdens on our urban fringes.

A strong basis for density done well

Across all of these reforms, design quality will determine whether we simply add units or create enduring neighbourhoods. The new planning direction provides a strong basis for councils, Government, iwi, designers, builders and developers to work together. It means aligning rules, investment and delivery so that we collectively produce the buildings, homes and communities Aotearoa New Zealand needs, and ensure growth translates into lasting value.