4 July 2024

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Government's announcement re Housing for Growth Strategy

Enquiry

NOTE: this enquiry relates to today’s announcements by Minister Bishop and was sent to both the RLC organisation and Mayor Tapsell:

Wanted to ask a few q's about the housing growth strat announced today please - can imagine it has some impact in Rotorua.

Would appreciate any comment from the mayor too, please.

• What of the announcement will impact on Rotorua and how?
• What previous decisions does it impact and how?
• What will need to happen now? How will the council react to this?
• What in the announcement is the most significant for Rotorua and why?
• Is there an appetite in the community or in council for Rotorua to remain under MDRS or to not? How so? Noting the council will need to take a ratification vote.
• Tier 1 and 2 councils will need to zone for at least 30 years of housing demand, rather than a minimum of 3 years - how long does RLC currently zone for?
• Any other comment or relevant information?

Response

From Mayor Tania Tapsell:

Housing remains a top and urgent priority for Council. It's positive to see the Government continuing to prioritise the current housing crisis as there's no doubt we need more homes in Rotorua.

One change that will attract interest locally would be the requirement for a ratification vote to determine whether we plan to retain, alter, or remove Medium Density Residential Standards for our urban areas, providing they give effect to the new Governments other pro-development policies.

As a Council we'll now need to consider what this means for Rotorua and what opportunities there are to work with Government to ensure better housing development that meet the needs of our locals in a positive way.

This will take some time as the Government plans to undertake formal consultation in early 2025. We'll be waiting on further Government decisions such as when these announcements will come in to force and look forward to discussing it as a Council.

From Group Manager, Community & District Development Jean-Paul Gaston:

There is a lot to consider from today’s announcement. Staff will need to take the time to understand what impacts there may be on council’s current housing policies and planning rules, as well as the Government’s plan for implementation.