Minister Chris Bishop has this week confirmed that he expects there to be a robust consultation and public hearings process if Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee vote to progress a replacement to Plan Change 78, after advocacy from Mayor Wayne Brown and Councillor Richard Hills.
Mayor Wayne Brown acknowledged the Minister for his pragmatic support.
“This is another round in ‘RMA Gymnastics’, but it’s good to see Minister Bishop is bringing common sense to the process and supports Aucklanders having their say to help shape their city. This is the easiest way to stop allowing more development in floodplains, and to have a rational discussion about how and where we live, based on facts.
“Auckland has changed a lot since Plan Change 78 and MDRS everywhere was put forward, we’ve had the floods, the Auckland Light Rail project was canned, and we’ve almost finished the $5.5 billion City Rail Link project, which we all want to make the most out of. We need intensification in sensible places like transport corridors to make better use of existing infrastructure. I support the public having their say to help us strike the right balance.”
Councillor Hills thanked the Minister for his collaborative approach, and for confirming that the public will get to have their say through a process including public submissions and hearings.
“This is a sensible way to let us get out of Plan Change 78 and its blanket MDRS everywhere, including inappropriate development in flood plains. I’m pleased Aucklanders will get to have their say on its replacement through an informed debate about housing, hazards and infrastructure. It’s not just about saying ‘no’ to building in flood plains; it’s about building the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure in place.
“Since MDRS came in, and the 2023 floods, councillors and the public have been consistently raising issues with me about the tug of war on existing infrastructure, which is costing the city, as well as issues related to design quality. The public, councillors and local boards have been very clear that they want to withdraw from MDRS as well as have stronger controls against building in flood plains.”
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson acknowledged her colleagues for their advocacy.
“I want to acknowledge the Mayor and our team who have been pushing so hard for Auckland to have the option to withdraw from Plan Change 78. This will allow for downzoning in high-risk floodplain areas, and for Aucklanders to have their say.
“The options now available are to either do a replacement plan change; or to carry on with the blanket Plan Change 78 which council has been asking for three years to be released from.
“I think as councillors we have simply got to get on and make a decision, knowing that after the election there will be proper and informed public consultation, before an anticipated 18-month public hearing process.
“I welcome the Minister’s commitment which will give new elected members after the election, as well as the public, more chance to have their say over the next 18 months.”
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform will make a final decision on the next steps once Auckland Council notifies him of an intention to withdraw Plan Change 78 and replace it with a new plan change, (enabling the same capacity as Plan Change 78 would have provided). The Policy and Planning Committee will be considering that on Wednesday 24 September 2025.
