Auckland CBD height limits proposed for removal to boost growth

New Zealand government officials and Auckland leaders have proposed sweeping planning changes to the Auckland central business district to stimulate economic growth and housing capacity. The proposal recommends removing building height limits, tower dimension rules, setback requirements, and floor area ratios across much of the city centre.

An investigation commissioned by Housing Minister Chris Bishop suggests these changes could create capacity for nearly 85,000 new dwellings and approximately 17,000 additional homes. The report estimates the deregulation could add 3 million m² of theoretical floor space and increase annual national GDP by approximately $1.87 billion, with a net present value of $42.6 billion over 40 years.

The initiative aims to leverage recent infrastructure investments, such as the $5.5 billion City Rail Link. Additionally, the report recommends removing heritage protections from ‘non-contributing sites’ within the Karangāhape Road Historic Heritage Area to allow for redevelopment. Auckland Council will consider feedback and investigation findings before deciding on changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan.