Gen Zero welcome release of updated residential zoning map

Friday, 18 December 2015, 10:18 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

Youth organisation welcome release of updated residential zoning maps

Youth organisation, Generation Zero, welcomes Auckland Council’s release of updated residential zoning maps. Today Auckland Council released their proposed interim position on residential zoning under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. The updated maps have slightly increased the amount of the city zoned Mixed Housing Urban from 11% to 17%, and decreased the amount zoned for Single House from 31% to 26%.

Spokesperson for Generation Zero, Niko Elsen; “Auckland has a serious housing shortage which is causing rapid house price rises. This is locking most Aucklanders out of home ownership. We need to allow more houses to be built in existing urban areas, as that is where the highest level of demand is. Well designed developments in inner suburbs close to public transport should now be prioritised, as that is the missing housing choice that Aucklanders are calling for.”

Elsen explains that young people are after choices and don’t want to be forced out to the urban fringe; “As young people, we’re looking for housing choices close to where we need to be, and more transport options, such as cycling and public transport, rather than just using our cars. Any policy should be enabling this kind of development rather than pushing young people out to the urban fringe. During the Unitary Plan public submission process, thousands of Aucklanders submitted in support of these ideas.”

“Young people are calling for 'density done well', enabling more housing choices in areas where we work and study. Instead of focussing on urban sprawl, the Government and Council should focus on quality medium-density developments close to public transport which would help Auckland overcome the major challenges of housing affordability, traffic congestion and climate change” says Mr Elsen.

ENDS

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