Real Estate News & Articles
Over 1,700 Pet Bonds Lodged Since December 2025 Boosting Kiwi Renters and Landlords
2 days ago | 62 viewsSince the pet bond system began on 1 December 2025, over 1,700 pet bonds have been lodged, reflecting positive uptake among renters with pets. The system aims to balance renters' ability to keep pets with landlords' need for protection by allowing pet bonds up to two weeks’ rent and requiring landlord consent on reasonable grounds. Managed through Tenancy Services, the reform provides a clear, practical process that supports both tenants and landlords in the rental market.
Tags: Chris Bishop Tama Potaka pet bonds Tenancy Services Housing Minister Associate Housing Minister renters with pets landlords rental market New ZealandOne Year of NZ Fast-Track Approvals: Faster Projects, Jobs, and Growth
2 days ago | 51 viewsOne year after New Zealand's Fast-track approvals system launched, it has accelerated infrastructure project approvals from years to months, reducing costs and enabling timely economic growth and job creation. The system streamlines multiple approval processes into one efficient pathway while maintaining environmental safeguards, with nine projects approved and dozens more progressing, expected to deliver thousands of homes, jobs, and significant economic contributions. The Coalition Government highlights Fast-track's success in overcoming criticism, positioning New Zealand as a global leader in efficient, rigorous infrastructure development.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones New Zealand Ports of Auckland Drury Metropolitan Centre Tekapo Power Scheme Bledisloe North Wharf Southland Wind Farm Wellington International AirportGovernment Invests $4M for Bisset Road Social Housing Infrastructure in Kaikohe
2 days ago | 70 viewsThe Government is investing $4 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support essential infrastructure for the Bisset Road social housing project in Kaikohe, which will provide up to 100 affordable rental homes with rents capped at 80 percent of market rates for 25 years. The project, led by Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Limited, aims to create local jobs, apprenticeships, and strengthen regional supply chains by using local timber and contractors. Additional funding includes a $29.7 million grant from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and a $13.6 million loan from Community Finance, with infrastructure work underway and the entire development expected to finish by 2027.
Tags: Shane Jones Tama Potaka Ngāpuhi Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi Regional Infrastructure Fund Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Community Finance Kaikohe Bisset RoadOne Year On: $200M Boost Drives 463 Affordable Māori Rental Homes Delivery
4 days ago | 91 viewsOne year after the Government’s $200 million investment, 463 affordable rental homes for whānau Māori have been approved across 11 Māori-led projects, with 392 homes contracted and over 260 progressing through early development stages. These homes are located in high-need regions and are intended to remain affordable rentals for at least 25 years, supporting long-term housing stability and community capacity. The initiative aligns with the Government’s broader efforts to fix the housing system by unlocking land, improving infrastructure, and reducing building barriers to increase housing supply and economic growth.
Tags: Tama Potaka Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing Limited Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi Ngāti Whakaue Tribal Lands Māori whānau Tamariki Government affordable housing Māori housing providersGovernment Deploys Motorhomes for Temporary Housing After Severe Weather Crisis
1 week ago | 110 viewsThe Government is deploying motorhomes through the Temporary Accommodation Service to provide immediate housing for people displaced by severe weather in regions including Northland, East Coast, and Bay of Plenty. Agencies are collaborating with local councils, Iwi, and community groups to ensure affected individuals can access accommodation and support, with registration encouraged for those needing temporary housing. Additionally, the Government has allocated funding to support relief efforts, including Mayoral Relief Funds and reimbursements to marae providing welfare services.
Tags: Tama Potaka Temporary Accommodation Service Northland Te Tai Tokerau East Coast Tairāwhiti Government motorhomes Iwi marae Mayoral Relief Funds CoromandelGovernment Activates Temporary Accommodation Service for North Island Weather Victims
1 week ago | 143 viewsThe Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated to support people displaced by recent severe weather in parts of the North Island. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is coordinating with emergency agencies, local councils, and communities to provide safe accommodation and additional support services, including social, mental health, and financial assistance. Those affected are encouraged to register for temporary accommodation through the TAS website or phone line, though registration numbers are not yet confirmed.
Tags: Tama Potaka Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service Civil Defence Emergency Management National Emergency Management Agency Northland Coromandel Bay of Plenty TairāwhitiNew Zealand Allows Granny Flats Without Building or Resource Consents for Affordable Housing
3 weeks ago | 188 viewsNew Zealand has removed the need for building and resource consents for granny flats up to 70 square metres, simplifying the process and reducing costs by up to $5,650 and 14 weeks. This change, part of the Coalition Government’s housing reforms, aims to increase affordable and diverse housing options while boosting construction jobs and easing council workloads. Homeowners must ensure their granny flats meet Building Code standards and local council rules, with guidance and templates available from government websites.
Tags: Chris Bishop Shane Jones Chris Penk New Zealand Coalition Government RMA Reform Building Act National Direction Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Ministry for the EnvironmentHawke’s Bay Racecourse Transformation to Create 600 Homes and Boost Jobs
1 month ago | 317 viewsThe Government is investing over $77 million to relocate the Hastings Racecourse in Hawke’s Bay, freeing up prime land for more than 600 new homes and boosting local housing availability. The new state-of-the-art racecourse will support the racing industry’s $37 million annual economic contribution, create around 270 ongoing jobs, and provide a civil defence centre for the Flaxmere community. During its four-year construction, the project will generate over 400 full-time jobs, supporting regional economic growth while preserving over 150 years of racing heritage.
Tags: Winston Peters Shane Jones Hawke’s Bay Hastings Hawke’s Bay Racing Incorporated New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated Hastings Racecourse Regional Infrastructure Fund Flaxmere thoroughbred racingKaikōura Waterfront Redevelopment Boosts Tourism and Local Economy
1 month ago | 351 viewsThe completion of Kaikōura’s waterfront redevelopment, including the Wakatu Quay precinct, marks a significant milestone in revitalizing the region’s economy and tourism after the 2016 earthquake. The project features a new marine-inspired building for tourism, hospitality, and cultural events, supported by over $10 million in funding and a partnership between government, local council, iwi, and stakeholders. Constructed within a year by mostly local workers, the redevelopment enhances Kaikōura’s appeal as a destination and is expected to stimulate further private sector growth.
Tags: Kaikōura Shane Jones Wakatu Quay Kaikoura earthquake Regional Development Minister Provincial Growth Fund Kaikoura District Council tourism waterfront redevelopment South IslandNew Zealand's New Planning System to Boost Housing Growth and Homeowner Freedom
2 months ago | 555 viewsThe New Zealand Government is overhauling its planning system to address the housing crisis by simplifying rules, increasing land supply, and enabling more competitive urban land markets, thereby making it easier and faster to build homes. The reforms include standardizing zoning nationwide, reducing consent complexities, allowing more development without council approval, and providing clear national direction with ambitious housing growth targets. These changes aim to lower costs, increase housing choice, strengthen property rights, and support sustainable urban expansion, with legislation expected to pass by 2026.
Tags: Chris Bishop New Zealand Government RMA Reform Housing Minister Planning Bill Resource Management Act Going for Housing Growth National Policy Statement ParliamentNew Zealand's Planning Reform Boosts Growth, Cuts Costs, and Modernizes Laws
2 months ago | 291 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis and RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop announced a major overhaul of New Zealand’s planning rules aimed at boosting economic growth, job creation, and income levels by replacing the Resource Management Act with a more efficient, pro-growth system. The reforms, introduced through two new bills—the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill—are projected to save $13.3 billion in costs over 30 years and increase GDP by at least 0.56% annually by 2050, while strengthening property rights and reducing regulatory burdens. The Government plans to pass the legislation by 2026, inviting public input through the Select Committee process.
Tags: Nicola Willis Chris Bishop Simon Court New Zealand Resource Management Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill RMA Reform Finance Minister economic growthOur Whare Our Fale: Affordable Homes and Jobs Boost in Eastern Porirua
2 months ago | 286 viewsThe Our Whare Our Fale housing programme in Eastern Porirua has completed its first stage, delivering 18 affordable, energy-efficient homes and a communal fale, with plans for up to 300 homes by 2034. The initiative, supported by a $114.6 million government investment and partnerships with local iwi and community groups, creates local jobs and offers financial support measures like shared equity and perpetual land leases to keep homes affordable. This programme aims to strengthen the local economy, promote multigenerational living, and provide families with stable, healthy housing and improved financial security.
Tags: Shane Reti Tama Potaka Central Pacific Collective Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Ministry for Pacific Peoples Ngāti Toa Our Whare Our Fale Pacific Peoples Minister Associate Housing Minister Eastern PoriruaNew Zealand Retirement Village Reforms: Fairness, Clarity, and Resident Protection
2 months ago | 278 viewsThe New Zealand Government is introducing reforms to the Retirement Villages Act to enhance clarity, fairness, and transparency for residents and their families, addressing issues such as repayment delays and legal complexities. Key changes include clearer legal documents, upfront operator disclosures, an independent disputes scheme, and improved financial protections like timely fund repayments and cessation of fees upon vacancy. These balanced reforms, shaped by extensive public feedback, aim to strengthen residents' rights while supporting the sector’s growth and will be introduced to Parliament mid-next year.
Tags: Tama Potaka Casey Costello Retirement Villages Act New Zealand Government retirement villages aged care Retirement Commissioner National – New Zealand First Coalition housing reform residents rights66 of 67 NZ Building Consent Authorities Meet New 3-Day Inspection Target
2 months ago | 252 viewsNew regulations require Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) in New Zealand to complete at least 80% of building inspections within three working days, with 66 out of 67 BCAs meeting this target and 97.3% of 67,000 inspections completed on time in Q3. Some BCAs use inspection availability data as an alternative measure, showing 96.2% of inspection slots available within three days, while building consent applications were processed within statutory timeframes at a rate of 95.7%, up from 93% previously. These improvements reflect increased accountability and productivity, reducing delays and costs in construction as part of the government’s efforts to enhance the building consent system.
Tags: Chris Penk Building Consent Authorities BCAs Queenstown Lakes District Council Kāinga Ora BCAL Limited MBIE New Zealand building inspections building consentGovernment and Iwi Sign Agreements for 628 New Homes in Auckland's Carrington Development
2 months ago | 292 viewsThe Government and Waiohua-Tāmaki iwi have signed agreements to develop at least 628 homes as part of the Carrington Residential Development in Mt Albert, contributing to a wider 4,000+ home project. This development, on land acquired through the Land for Housing Programme, will include a mix of market, affordable, and social housing alongside amenities such as a supermarket, cafes, and public transport access. Supported by various government initiatives and infrastructure investments, the project aims to address Auckland’s housing needs while promoting sustainable community growth.
Tags: Chris Bishop Carrington Residential Development Te Kukūnga Waka Auckland Land for Housing Programme Unitec Mt Albert Toi and Whetū Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki Te Kawerau ā Maki