Articles tagged with Urban Development
Government’s Flexible Fund Opens Applications for 770 New Social Homes in NZ
2 weeks ago | 166 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Tama Potaka New Zealand Flexible Fund social housing affordable rentals Kāinga Ora Housing Investment Plan iwi Māori Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentNew Methamphetamine Contamination Rules for Rental Properties Effective April 2026
2 weeks ago | 299 viewsNew 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.
Tags: Tama Potaka Peter Gluckman methamphetamine contamination rental properties New Zealand Standard 8510:2017 Ministry of Housing and Urban Development MBIE Tenancy Services New Zealand Institute for Public Health Forensic ScienceNew Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport Set to Launch in 2026
3 weeks ago | 235 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Penny Simmonds Ministry for Cities Environment Regions and Transport MCERT Ministry for the Environment Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Ministry of Transport Department of Internal Affairs Environment Act RMA ReformGovernment Lowers Auckland Housing Capacity Requirement to 1.6 Million Homes
3 weeks ago | 259 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Auckland Council Resource Management Act Plan Change 120 Medium Density Residential Standards City Rail Link Auckland Unitary Plan National Policy Statement on Urban Development Eden Park New Zealand GovernmentGovernment Invests $4M for Bisset Road Social Housing Infrastructure in Kaikohe
1 month ago | 259 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 RoadNew Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) Launches in NZ
3 months ago | 452 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Judith Collins Simon Watts Penny Simmonds Ministry of Cities Environment Regions and Transport New Zealand government housing reform urban development local government climate changeAuckland City Centre Action Plan Boosts Safety, Support, and Vibrancy for All
3 months ago | 382 viewsA 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.
Tags: Simeon Brown Wayne Brown Auckland Ministry for Housing and Urban Development Ministry for Social Development Health New Zealand Auckland Council Minister of Justice City Rail Link New Zealand International Convention CentreNew Zealand Government Announces Targeted Housing Investment Plan to Address Social Housing Needs
3 months ago | 346 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Kāinga Ora Emerge Community Housing Providers Housing Investment Plan Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Housing Register South Auckland Māori providers Flexible Fund Housing Register150+ New Social Homes to Be Delivered in Hawke’s Bay by 2026
3 months ago | 414 viewsHousing 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Kāinga Ora Emerge Aotearoa Habitat for Humanity Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Ka Uruora Whatever It Takes Trust Hawke’s Bay Matariki Housing Leadership Group Community Housing Providers Ministry of Housing and Urban DevelopmentChristchurch City Council Achieves Housing Growth Target, Withdraws Plan Change 14: Minister
4 months ago | 379 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Christchurch City Council Housing Growth Target Plan Change 14 RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop Medium Density Residential Standards National Policy Statement on Urban Development Urbanomics Sense Partners Te Kaha stadium210+ New Social Homes to Address Housing Needs in Waikato
4 months ago | 444 viewsMore 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Tama Potaka Waikato social homes Community Housing Providers Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa The Salvation Army Emerge AotearoaNorthland to Receive 70+ New Social Homes: Government's Commitment to Address Housing Needs
5 months ago | 412 viewsMore 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.
Tags: Chris Bishop Northland Community Housing Providers social homes Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Otangarei Papakāinga Limited Ngāti Rēhia Habitat for Humanity Whangarei99 New Social Homes in Nelson, Marlborough & Tasman by CHPs: Housing Minister's Commitment
5 months ago | 436 viewsHousing Minister Chris Bishop announced that 99 new social homes will be built in Nelson, Marlborough, and Tasman by Community Housing Providers (CHPs). The Government has committed funding for over 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs nationwide, including in these regions. The homes will primarily consist of one to two-bedroom units to address the high demand for such housing in the area, with a focus on providing suitable homes for those most in need.
Tags: Chris Bishop Nelson Marlborough Tasman Community Housing Providers Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development The Salvation Army Nelson City BlenheimCanterbury to Receive 65+ New Social Homes from Community Housing Providers, Housing Minister Announces
5 months ago | 488 viewsThe Housing Minister announced that more than 65 new social homes will be built in Canterbury by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) as part of the government's commitment to social housing. These homes are part of over 6,800 net new social homes delivered nationwide since November 2023, with 837 in Canterbury, and funding for an additional 2,000 homes over the next two years. The homes in Canterbury will be located in various suburbs and will primarily consist of one- and two-bedroom units to address the high demand for such properties in the region.
Tags: social homes Canterbury Community Housing Providers Housing Minister Chris Bishop Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Christchurch Methodist Mission Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust housing register emergency housing.Government-Funded Social Home Deliveries by Community Housing Providers: Progress Update and Future Plans
6 months ago | 1089 viewsCommunity Housing Providers (CHPs) are actively delivering over 2,000 social homes funded by the Coalition Government, with a focus on allocating 1,500 social houses from Budget 2024 and 550 social homes for Auckland from Budget 2025. The government is committed to building the right homes in the right places for those in need, with a new housing investment system centered on strategic partnerships with CHPs and a Flexible Fund established in Budget 2025 to drive further change in social housing. Progress is being made in improving housing for Kiwis, including reducing the social housing register, moving families out of motels into social housing, and partnering with Māori housing providers to deliver affordable rental homes across the country.
Tags: Community Housing Providers CHPs Coalition Government Housing Minister Chris Bishop Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka Kāinga Ora Ministry of Housing and Urban Development HUD Budget 2024 Budget 2025