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Did you receive this letter from Auckland Council? It is being delivered to every household in Auckland and is causing a bit of confusion.
Essentially, it is inviting everyone in Auckland to comment on proposed changes to the Unitary Plan from 3 November. The Unitary Plan is the set of rules … View moreDid you receive this letter from Auckland Council? It is being delivered to every household in Auckland and is causing a bit of confusion.
Essentially, it is inviting everyone in Auckland to comment on proposed changes to the Unitary Plan from 3 November. The Unitary Plan is the set of rules that says what can and can't be built on each property. The proposed changes (Plan Change 120) are so significant and change the rules so much for most properties, that over time, most streets and neighbourhoods will likely be affected in some way. That's why all home owners and renters are being invited to submit.
The consultation will open on 3 November and more info will be available online then.
I've attached the zone maps for the North Shore that show the proposed new zone for each property. More maps showing more information for the North Shore and other parts of Auckland can be downloaded from the below link, and further information including factsheets will be available from 3 November: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
So what is this all about? It's complicated, but here's a brief history:
➡️ In 2016, the Unitary Plan zone rules allowed for an additional 900,000 new dwellings to be built, with greater intensification and higher building heights across much of Auckland. It also allowed buildings to stretch across land parcels, and reduced the amount of outdoor space needed for each dwelling. Since then, we've seen a lot more intensive housing being built and pressure on infrastructure.
➡️ In 2022, the Labour Government's MDRS rules came into effect, which allowed any property in Auckland to have up to 3 dwellings of 3 storeys built without needing a resource consent. This was to force Auckland to accommodate up to 2 million dwellings. However, Auckland Council's changes to the Unitary Plan to allow for this (called Plan Change 78) never fully came into effect, leading to a confusing layering of rules and much debate at consent hearings. While the MDRS rules didn't apply in special character areas, significant ecological areas, or any area that didn't have adequate infrastructure, it did apply in many flood plain and erosion-prone areas.
Also in 2022, the Government prohibited Councils from requiring developers to have on-site carparks. This has lead to a noticeable increase in cars parked on roads, creating safety and visibility issues on narrow roads.
➡️ The Unitary Plan together with the MDRS rules have led to a "pepper pot" approach to town planning, as new developments have appeared on almost every suburban road, with Council having to play catchup with infrastructure everywhere, rather than in a planned or staged manner.
➡️ This year, the National Government has allowed Auckland to opt out of the MDRS rules, and to make it more difficult to build on flood plains and coastal areas. But the Government is instead forcing Auckland to still accommodate 2 million new dwellings. To do this, Council is proposing Plan Change 120 which includes big changes to what can be built on most properties.
Some of the changes:
🏢 All zones have had changes made to the detail of them. So even if your property or your neighbour’s property is proposed to have the same zone as before, there may be changes that you should be aware of.
🏢 Many properties that were zoned for 2-storey “Mixed Housing Suburban Zone” are being up-zoned to 3-storey “Mixed Housing Urban Zone”. This affects most suburban roads and will allow 3 storey buildings by default, rather than 2 storeys as at present.
🏢 Terraced and apartment housing will be allowed up to 6 storeys high by default on main road corridors, such as Glenfield Rd, Onewa Rd, Mokoia Rd, Kitchener Rd, Hurstmere Rd and Killarney St.
🏢 There will be higher heights of 10-15 storeys allowed by default in “walkable catchments” around bus stations, train stations, town centres and some local centres, for example, 10 storeys around the Sunnynook Bus Station and 15 storeys in parts of Takapuna.
🏢 A lot of Single House Zoned properties will be up-zoned, except for coastal areas due to the risk erosion and slips; around many significant ecological areas due to the impact on the bush and risk of slips; and in special character areas.
🏢 There will be a reduction in the number of properties with Special Character Area overlay, with reductions in Devonport, Birkenhead and Northcote Point, and with the greatest number removed from Mt Eden.
🏢 If a property has a Natural Hazard layer applied to it, the underlying zone will still apply, however a developer will need to show that the design mitigates the hazard, for example, in a flood plain.
Labour Day celebrates the fight for fair working hours and better conditions for everyone. Did you know Aotearoa New Zealand was among the first countries to stand up for the eight-hour working day?
As we take a moment to recognise the hard work happening around us, we want to hear from you: Who… View moreLabour Day celebrates the fight for fair working hours and better conditions for everyone. Did you know Aotearoa New Zealand was among the first countries to stand up for the eight-hour working day?
As we take a moment to recognise the hard work happening around us, we want to hear from you: Who inspires you to give your best? Your family, community leaders, coworkers, or someone else?
Natural Comfort, Extra Value!
Discover our New Zealand-made sheepskin pet range, crafted to give your furry friends the comfort, warmth, and joy they deserve.
Bundle their favourites and save — so you can treat them to better naps, playful moments, and year-round cosiness. 💛
🛒 Shop … View moreNatural Comfort, Extra Value!
Discover our New Zealand-made sheepskin pet range, crafted to give your furry friends the comfort, warmth, and joy they deserve.
Bundle their favourites and save — so you can treat them to better naps, playful moments, and year-round cosiness. 💛
🛒 Shop now and make your pet’s day extra special
Just a reminder: In Auckland, you can only set off fireworks on private property between 5pm and 10:30pm, except for New Year's Eve when it extends to 1am. It is illegal to set off fireworks in public places like parks, beaches, and forests, as well as on roads, berms, and footpaths.
These kākāpō, rainbow lorikeet and ruru birds are a hoot for the kids to make using pinecones and their favourite Resene colours. Find out how to make and paint your own feathered friends with these easy step by step instructions.
It is time for the Neighbourly Spooktober Pet Costume Competition ... where ghosts, goblins, and golden retrievers unite!
Post a photo* of your furry, feathered, or scaly friends dressed in their Halloween best in the comments, and be in to win a $200 Prezzy Card 🏆
*Unleash your … View moreIt is time for the Neighbourly Spooktober Pet Costume Competition ... where ghosts, goblins, and golden retrievers unite!
Post a photo* of your furry, feathered, or scaly friends dressed in their Halloween best in the comments, and be in to win a $200 Prezzy Card 🏆
*Unleash your imagination before the 30th of October to be in to win!
Heartbeats cardiac support group for Heart Patients and Heart Event Survivors meets at Sunnynook Community Centre this evening at 7pm.
Heartbeats is the largest community-led, peer-peer support group for heart patients and 'heart people' in Aotearoa New Zealand. We offer mental … View moreHeartbeats cardiac support group for Heart Patients and Heart Event Survivors meets at Sunnynook Community Centre this evening at 7pm.
Heartbeats is the largest community-led, peer-peer support group for heart patients and 'heart people' in Aotearoa New Zealand. We offer mental wellbeing support, education and cardiac rehabilitation to heart event survivors everywhere. We are a non-profit, friendly and diverse group with all sorts of heart conditions.
Come along, bring a family member or a friend and meet other heart people who have experienced the same thing as yourself.. Its FREE and everyone is welcome.
"I really appreciate the Heartbeats organization for the information available and the experiences and perspectives of others. It is a valuable resource especially with the public system under so much pressure, it fills a gap and brings a sense of humanity into the equation of heart health care and wellbeing." - KP (Auckland)
For more information, call Trent on 022 0606 199.
Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Norman Talo, 50, who has a warrant for his arrest.
Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts. Talo is thought to be in the wider Auckland area.
Anyone with information is urged not to approach him … View morePolice are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Norman Talo, 50, who has a warrant for his arrest.
Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts. Talo is thought to be in the wider Auckland area.
Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 241018/9095.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Aucklanders, a friendly reminder that all 14 Tūpuna Maunga will be closed in the evenings during Guy Fawkes to help prevent fireworks-related fires. 🔥🚫
Recent fires have caused serious damage to these sacred sites — including Te Pane o Mataoho / Māngere Mountain last year. Even one spark… View moreAucklanders, a friendly reminder that all 14 Tūpuna Maunga will be closed in the evenings during Guy Fawkes to help prevent fireworks-related fires. 🔥🚫
Recent fires have caused serious damage to these sacred sites — including Te Pane o Mataoho / Māngere Mountain last year. Even one spark can harm the cultural and natural beauty of our maunga.
Let’s protect these special places together.
The plasma in your blood can help treat over 50 different illnesses including cancer, kidney disease and severe burns, and make up to 11 lifesaving products. But demand is outpacing the supply. Luckily there’s a new place to donate plasma. NZ Blood’s new donor centre at 65 Constellation Drive … View moreThe plasma in your blood can help treat over 50 different illnesses including cancer, kidney disease and severe burns, and make up to 11 lifesaving products. But demand is outpacing the supply. Luckily there’s a new place to donate plasma. NZ Blood’s new donor centre at 65 Constellation Drive on Auckland’s North Shore. Doors open on 3 November. Join us for opening celebrations on 7 November.
Bring your friends, family or workmates to learn more about plasma (you never know who you might run into). It’s a chance to see the good your plasma donation can do.
Cleaning the garden, no need anymore, get this water tank(600 liters, height 110cm, diameter 90cm) for summer! Tap at the bottom.Sold as it is, see pics. Cheers
Hi neighbours,
My daughter is selling her beloved Mini Cooper, as she is off to OZ, so if someone knows of someone please let me know. It has also been advertised elsewhere.
Well maintained and ready to use for any occasion. Only had 1 owner previously and been such a pleasure to ride!
- 108… View moreHi neighbours,
My daughter is selling her beloved Mini Cooper, as she is off to OZ, so if someone knows of someone please let me know. It has also been advertised elsewhere.
Well maintained and ready to use for any occasion. Only had 1 owner previously and been such a pleasure to ride!
- 108 000km
- 2012 car
- Comprehensive WOF, rego and service completed prior to selling
Never had any issues with it, simply relocating to Australia. Rego just renewed and no mechanical problems. Little to no cosmetic issues.
This car drives super smooth and just an overall rounder for any occasion and been such a dream to have her but only reason i am selling is I’m relocating in the next few weeks. Would like to hear from people that are really keen. Thank you for reading.
Price is $8500
These have hardly been used & in very good condition.
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