24 Jun 2026
4 months ago
980 views
The Government acknowledges the broken social housing system and housing crisis driven by unaffordable housing and planning barriers, committing to reforms focused on building the right homes for those most in need through initiatives like the Housing Investment System, Kāinga Ora Turnaround Plan, and Flexible Fund. Significant progress includes stabilizing house prices and rents, reducing Kāinga Ora's debt, increasing social housing stock, lowering financing barriers for Community Housing Providers, and establishing a data-driven Housing Investment Plan to target resources effectively. The ongoing Review of Social Housing aims to create a fairer, more efficient system by refocusing support on those most in need, improving incentives for tenant independence, and working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop sustainable, long-term solutions.
27 May 2026
5 months ago
927 views
The Government has passed legislation to create the new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating several agencies including the Ministry for the Environment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and Ministry of Transport. The Environment (Disestablishment of the Ministry for the Environment) Amendment Bill enables this integration by transferring statutory environmental functions to MCERT’s chief executive, ensuring seamless continuation of environmental responsibilities. This restructuring aims to promote coordinated decision-making that balances environmental protection with economic growth across urban development and infrastructure sectors.
31 Mar 2026
6 months ago
1318 views
The Government will introduce legislation to amend the Resource Management Act, reducing Auckland Council’s Plan Change 120 minimum housing capacity from 2 million to 1.4 million homes while still supporting significant growth through upzoning and infrastructure-aligned development. The legislation also resolves transitional issues for developers affected by previous rule changes and aims to enable further housing opportunities, particularly around transit corridors and the City Rail Link. Auckland Council will revise the plan based on guiding principles, and the updated process will allow public input before final decisions are made.
27 Feb 2026
7 months ago
1249 views
The New Zealand Government has launched the first round of applications for the Flexible Fund, aiming to create up to 770 new social homes and affordable rentals in high-need areas by supporting community and iwi Māori housing providers. This fund replaces previous fragmented programs with a targeted, data-driven approach to deliver the right homes in priority locations, emphasizing value for money, local demand, and timely delivery. It forms part of a broader Housing Investment Plan and reforms to boost social housing, reduce emergency housing reliance, and ensure stable, affordable housing options for vulnerable families.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1451 views
New regulations addressing methamphetamine contamination in rental properties will take effect from 16 April 2026, establishing clear, evidence-based thresholds and processes to ensure consistency for landlords and tenants. Properties with residue above 15µg/100cm² must be decontaminated, and if levels exceed 30µg/100cm², tenancy termination options become available, with professional testing aligned to New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 required in certain cases. Developed with expert advice, these rules aim to protect tenant health while minimizing landlord costs, with guidance provided through MBIE’s Tenancy Services website.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1309 views
The Government has introduced legislation to create the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT), consolidating housing, transport, urban development, and environmental functions into one agency. This involves disestablishing the Ministry for the Environment and transferring its statutory responsibilities to MCERT, which will provide integrated advice to address economic and environmental challenges. MCERT is scheduled to be established by April 2026 and operational by July 2026, with a chief executive appointment forthcoming.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1378 views
The Government will amend the Resource Management Act to reduce Auckland Council’s minimum housing capacity requirement under Plan Change 120 from over 2 million to 1.6 million homes, allowing more targeted growth around the city centre, rapid transit stations, and metropolitan centres. This change provides Auckland Council greater flexibility to respond to public feedback and focus development where infrastructure supports it, while still meeting national urban development policies. Additionally, the Government will investigate and potentially adjust planning controls in Auckland’s CBD to unlock further housing and business potential, ensuring growth aligns with economic and liveability goals.
06 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1414 views
The 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.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1541 views
The Government has established the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) by merging four agencies to streamline housing, transport, urban development, and environmental reforms. MCERT aims to address New Zealand’s economic and environmental challenges through integrated planning, clearer accountability, and coordinated policy advice, improving outcomes for local government and communities. The new Ministry will be fully operational by July 2026, with a Chief Executive appointed earlier that year, enhancing efficiency and supporting ambitious reform agendas.
28 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1159 views
A new action plan led by Auckland’s government and council aims to make the city centre safe, welcoming, and vibrant by supporting vulnerable populations, increasing police presence, and improving public spaces and services. Key initiatives include adding social housing, outreach for rough sleepers, enhanced enforcement against criminal behavior, and regular maintenance of cleanliness and safety in public areas. The plan emphasizes collaboration among multiple agencies to boost confidence, economic activity, and community well-being as major projects and tourism increase in Auckland.
21 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1054 views
The Government has introduced a new Housing Investment Plan focused on delivering the right type of homes in the right locations for those in high housing need, based on detailed data analysis and community engagement. Key reforms include fixing Kāinga Ora’s financial and operational inefficiencies, leveling the playing field for Community Housing Providers through reduced borrowing costs, and establishing a Flexible Fund to support diverse housing interventions including affordable rentals. This plan emphasizes targeted investment, competitive procurement, and robust monitoring to improve housing outcomes and ensure effective use of resources in addressing New Zealand’s housing crisis.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1221 views
Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced that over 150 new social homes will be delivered by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) in Hawke’s Bay, targeting one and two-bedroom units to meet the region's greatest demand. The government is investing in a new housing system focused on building the right homes in the right places with appropriate support, backed by funding for more than 2,000 additional homes nationwide over the next two years. These efforts, supported by simplified funding and partnerships with local organizations, aim to address housing shortages efficiently, with some homes already delivered and more expected by mid-2026.
10 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1102 views
The Christchurch City Council has achieved its Housing Growth Target, allowing it to withdraw part of Plan Change 14, which aimed to update planning rules to facilitate more housing. The Council demonstrated sufficient feasible housing capacity for at least 30 years, exceeding statutory requirements. Ministerial decisions are pending on heritage sites and a special character area, with a focus on removing planning barriers to increase housing supply in the fast-growing city of Christchurch.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1263 views
More than 210 new social homes will be provided in Waikato by Community Housing Providers, supported by Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. The Government's commitment to delivering social housing includes funding for over 2,000 additional homes nationwide, with Waikato benefiting from this initiative. The allocation of social homes in Waikato is based on regional need, with a focus on addressing the demand for one- and two-bedroom properties to better match the needs of individuals and families seeking affordable housing.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1213 views
More than 70 new social homes will be built in Northland by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), with a focus on addressing severe housing deprivation in the region. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated these homes based on regional need, including factors like the housing register and emergency housing use. These new homes, primarily one or two-bedroom units, aim to meet the high demand for such properties in Northland and are part of the government's broader efforts to improve the social housing system and deliver the right homes to those in need.