Urgency Progress

A bill to fast track land supply particularly aimed at increasing Auckland’s housing supply has progressed under Urgency.

Housing Minister Nick Smith said the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Bill would improve housing affordability, it was no ``silver bullet’’ but would assist by releasing land for housing supply.

Phil Twyford said Labour would support the bill to select committee, but it was no more than cherry picking of Mayor Len Brown’s plan for changes to Auckland’s planning rules.

He said National had been spooked into reacting to Labour’s promise to build affordable housing

The Bill was sent to the Social Services Committee with a report back by July 26 after completing its first reading by 104 to 15 with Greens and Mana opposed. There was also a one hour debate on the referral motion which passed by 70 to 49 with National, NZ First, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in favour

Labour and NZ First indicated their support was only to select committee at this stage.

MPs began the first reading of the Social Housing Reform (Housing Restructuring and Tenancy Matters) Amendment Bill and its referral to a select committee

The following bills remain in the Urgency motion.

• the introduction and passing of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Amendment Bill (No 2)

• the introduction and passing of the Crown Minerals Amendment Act 2013 Amendment Bill

• the introduction and passing of the Customs and Excise (Budget Measures—Motor Spirits) Amendment Bill

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