Despite receiving criticisms from organisations and other political parties, Labour and National continue to reject suggestions to improve their joint housing policy, according to ACT New Zealand (ACT).
This year, Labour and National worked together to propose housing reforms to boost supply across New Zealand and cut the red tape blocking housing development. However, the Environment Committee that examined the policy returned it without any amendments despite receiving industry feedback.
Now, ACT has stated that Labour and National rejected its suggestion to replace the Medium Density Residential Standard (MDRS) that both parties proposed with the familiar Mixed Housing Suburban Zone widely used in Auckland.
ACT leader David Seymour explained that the Mixed Housing Suburban Zone has design standards that will stop someone building three three-storey houses next door with a floor-to-ceiling window on the third floor looking into other people’s bedrooms.
Commenting on the discussion, Seymour said: “The whole debate was embarrassing, with Minister David Parker saying he had no role in deciding zoning under the bill, [and] then having to stand up and explain what roles he does in fact have.
“They showed a woeful lack of understanding at points in the debate. It was pointed out that they are going to nullify even Kainga Ora’s urban design standards and the NZ Super Fund’s Investments. Master plan developments will also be undermined by the legislation.”
Seymour has been...
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