Height limits, tower dimension rules, floor area ratios and some heritage protections on non-contributing buildings in Auckland's CBD could be scrapped in a Government proposal it says will unlock billions of dollars in economic growth off the back of the newly opened City Rail Link.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simon Watts and Mayor Wayne Brown announced the plan today, with public consultation running from today to October 16.
The Government says the changes could support 17,000 more homes, 37,200 more jobs, and add $1.87 billion a year to the economy.
"City Rail Link has transformed the way Aucklanders can get into and around the central city," Bishop said.
"The next step is making sure our planning rules support Auckland to take full advantage of that investment."
Bishop said the city centre already made up 8% of New Zealand's GDP and nearly 6% of the country's jobs.
The proposals follow a government investigation into whether current planning rules were holding back growth in the city centre.
The same law was used last year to change planning rules around Eden Park, allowing it to host more events.
The plan also proposes loosening heritage protections on some buildings on Karangāhape Rd that don't meaningfully add to the area's character.
"This would create greater opportunities for redevelopment on sites with limited heritage value, while continuing to protect the buildings and places that give Karangāhape Road its distinctive character," Watts said.
Brown backed the proposal, saying it made sense to build more homes and businesses near the city's transport and infrastructure investment.
"We have invested billions of dollars in the City Rail Link and in the roads, pipes and other infrastructure that supports the central city," he said. "Our planning rules should help us get the best possible return from that investment."
He said he'd also like to see the Government tackle other rules in future, such as those around fire safety.
Height restrictions relating to protected views won't be touched under the proposal.
The public can give feedback through the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport's website.
The Government will consider submissions, along with Auckland Council's views, before deciding whether to go ahead with the changes.
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