Planning and the economy: a complex relationship

These sober findings put debates around New Zealand’s housing crisis into a different perspective. As bad as the housing market situation is today, there is worse to come if we do not unlock the supply side of the housing market now.

While the rest of the world wonders what the next phase of the GFC will bring; and while the rest of Europe discusses the future of their common currency; the British are pondering an entirely different question: How can they protect the last blades of grass on their small island from being concreted over?

The RMA replacement Bills require further refinement despite containing some improvements. While they aim to streamline planning and reduce council blockages, essential protections for property rights and housing affordability may need to be added before the final vote.