Media release: Prod Comm builds case for planning change
Wellington (19 August 2016): The New Zealand Initiative has called the Productivity Commission’s latest draft report a timely reminder that system-wide change is needed to fix the country’s poorly functioning planning system.
“Over the past 25 years it has become increasingly apparent that our planning system is not fit for purpose, the most obvious sign being the sharp increase in house prices in our fastest growing cities,” said Research Fellow Jason Krupp.
“Central government has responded to these problems by endlessly tinkering with the Resource Management Act. That piece of legislation certainly needs major reform, but the planning process is also governed by laws like the Local Government Act and the Land Transport Management Act.”
“Where this report gets it right is to focus on the planning system as a whole. If we are to open up more land for housing we cannot accept the status quo where it can take upwards of 10 years for a major infrastructure project to get through the planning process.”
The public policy think tank also praised the Commission for highlighting the true purpose of urban planning: to maximise the benefits of cities, while managing the costs, such as infrastructure and environment pressures.
“No one disputes the importance of urban planners, or well-planned cities,” Krupp said. “What is highly questionable is whether urban planning should be used as a tool to fix social and economic problems.”
“Unfortunately, as the report makes clear, this is exactly what has happened in New Zealand. We have strayed from urban planning into urban design, where land use regulations are shaped by ideology instead of economic analysis.”
Housing is a major research stream at The New Zealand Initiative, whose reports include:
- Empty Nests, Crowded Houses: Building for an ageing population
- Up or Out? Examining the trade-offs of urban form
- Free to Build: Restoring New Zealand's housing affordability
- Different Places, Different Means: Why some countries build more than others
- Priced out! How New Zealand lost its housing affordability
ENDS
Jason Krupp is available for comment.
To arrange an interview please contact:
Simone Evans
Communications Officer, The New Zealand Initiative
Phone: +64 4 494 9109
Mobile: +64 21 2937 250
Email: simone.evans@nzinitiative.org.nz
About The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative is an evidence-based think tank and research institute, which is supported by a membership organisation that counts some of the country’s leading visionaries, business leaders and political thinkers among its ranks.
Our members are committed to developing policies to make New Zealand a better country for all its citizens. We believe all New Zealanders deserve a world-class education system, affordable housing, a healthy environment, sound public finances and a stable currency.
The New Zealand Initiative pursues this goal by participating in public life, and making a contribution to public discussions.
For more information visit www.nzinitiative.org.nz