Wellington heritage provisions reviewed to unlock housing and jobs

Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop has released an investigation report and opened a public consultation on heritage planning rules affecting five key sites in Wellington, including the Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct, the former General Headquarters Building at Taranaki and Buckle Streets, the Miramar oil tank, and height restrictions in the Courtenay Place Heritage Area. The report finds that some heritage controls are limiting economic growth and employment. Bishop estimates that modifying or removing these provisions could allow the construction of about 770 additional apartments, generate roughly $280 million in construction activity and support around 300 jobs, including new film‑studio facilities. The consultation invites community input on how to adjust the heritage provisions while balancing preservation with development goals.