The National Government is ramping up efforts to tackle New Zealand’s housing crisis, prioritising liveable solutions over the unacceptable reality of families forced to sleep in cars. From fast-tracking projects to cutting costs with overseas building materials, the strategy centres on speed, simplicity, and pragmatism.
But Auckland seems to be marching to the beat of its own drum, raising questions about whether it’s the rebellious child in the family.
The government’s housing strategy features several decisive measures aimed at boosting supply:
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has emphasised the urgency of the housing issue, even demonstrating a personal pivot. He’s sold three of his properties, possible having another on the market—perhaps a nod to the challenges of today’s housing market.
While the National Government pushes for rapid growth, Auckland Council has introduced policies that seem to throttle housing supply. These measures, though focused on long-term quality and sustainability, may conflict with the government’s growth agenda.
Beyond regulatory hurdles, Auckland faces a fundamental mismatch between supply and demand. Over the past 12 months to September 2024, Auckland lost more than 10,000 jobs, while an oversupply of housing continues to grow.
For example, recent years have seen annual new builds rise from fewer than 4,000 homes to nearly 20,000. In Westgate alone, approximately 10,000 homes sit empty or temporarily rented as developers wait for better market conditions. This glut risks further destabilising property values, leaving Auckland in a precarious position.
The disconnect between the National Government’s drive for rapid housing expansion and Auckland Council’s focus on sustainability reflects the complexity of New Zealand’s housing crisis. While the government prioritises supply to meet urgent needs, Auckland aims to balance growth with long-term liveability and infrastructure challenges.
The question remains: Can these competing visions align to make Auckland a thriving, liveable city once again?
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© Copyright 2025 Lucia Xiao Property Investment Mentor. All Rights Reserved.
