There’s a lot at stake for Tauranga businesses with Housing Minister Hon Chris Bishop’s 4 July  announcement about new changes to the Government’s housing plan.   

These changes include:

1. The establishment of Housing Growth Targets for Tier 1 and 2 councils 
2. New rules requiring cities to be allowed to expand outwards at the urban fringe 
3. A strengthening of the intensification provisions in the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) 
4. New rules requiring councils to enable mixed-use developments in our cities. 
5. The abolition of minimum floor area and balcony requirements 
6. New provisions making the MDRS optional for councils  

Tauranga’s Tier 1 Council will be greatly impacted by these housing policy reforms. With that in mind, The Tauranga Business Chamber asked all fifteen Mayoral candidates where they stand on this important issue. Our question to them:  

‘If you are Tauranga’s Mayor when the Government’s housing announcements become law, how will you respond, and what will be your top priority actions?’ 

A number of candidates responded, and in their own words, here’s what they had to say (in order of who responded first): 

Tina Salisbury

“I strongly support initiatives driving affordable housing supply, intensification, and mixed use development, which is crucial for vibrant neighbourhoods. The new Going for Growth Housing proposals enhance intensification in well-equipped areas, potentially reducing costs and providing more affordable homes. However, I oppose the targets set for Tier 1 or 2 Councils like Tauranga to receive a revenue incentive, Tauranga lacks sufficient land for 30 years of zoning. Our limited greenfield sites are geographically challenging and aren’t sufficient to meet current Government requirements. I’m also concerned about land banking’s impact on housing prices, constraining market dynamics. Unrestrained building on the urban fringe risks poorly planned, potentially disconnected, amenity poor communities, environmental impacts, costly infrastructure, and strain on transport networks leading to more congestion. Further consultation is needed for this program. If elected, I’ll prioritise meeting with the Minister to discuss our constraints, explore potential solutions, new funding tools and City Deals.”  

Ria Hall

“Housing affordability is crippling Tauranga and the Government’s announcement to require all Council’s to free up and plan for housing intensification is a clear direction that this Government is taking housing seriously. Tauranga is a Tier One Council and we will be required to work at pace to respond to the Government’s direction to live zone 30 years of Housing Growth Targets. This is a critical task to addressing the housing shortage and it will be a key priority for me as Mayor to implement this direction to fix our housing shortage.  I will be advocating for central government support to enable the infrastructural requirements that the new housing rules will require, with an expectation that new growth will pay for new growth and the burden of paying for growth is not lumped on our local community. I have written to the Minister for Housing, Hon Chris Bishop to commend…” [exceeded the 150 word limit] 

Greg Brownless:

“I’m generally supportive of initiatives to provide much needed housing at more affordable prices, but we need to know much more about the detail and effects first. Government needs to assist with the necessary infrastructure so that current residents aren’t left to pick up the costs. Intensification is better located near reserves so that large blocks don’t adversely impact on the existing environment of neighbours and so that those living there have plenty outdoor space. Efficient transport and roading around mixed use areas is a vital prerequisite so residents can travel easily around the city, whether for work or for recreation. I still believe there need to standards over factors such as minimum size and off-road parking. These would be to ensure the housing is of liveable size and that nearby roads aren’t clogged with park cars that belong to the residents.” 

Donna Hannah

“If I am Tauranga’s Mayor when the Government’s housing announcements become law, I’ll fully support initiatives to boost housing growth and affordability. Establishing Housing Growth Targets, enabling city expansion, and strengthening intensification provisions will help free up land and reduce unnecessary planning barriers. Removing minimum floor area and balcony requirements will significantly lower the cost of new apartments, increasing the availability of affordable housing. Embracing mixed-use developments and expanding urban areas will foster vibrant, livable communities. I appreciate the focus on enabling housing capacity in high-demand, well-connected locations and promoting greater density around strategic transport corridors. These measures will enhance urban sustainability and efficiency. Overall, these changes promise abundant development opportunities, reduced land prices, and greater housing affordability. However, it remains crucial to determine if the central government will cover the infrastructure costs associated with these initiatives.” 

Mahe Drysdale

“Making housing more affordable and increasing supply is a laudable policy approach. My concern is the decision to move powers to the central Government – trying to take more control – causing Councils losing some of their ability to plan the shape of their own cities. I would respond by working with Hon. Chris Bishop to deliver a solution that works for Tauranga that Tauranga controls, enable delivery of houses where they make sense. My priorities would be Brownfield developments and high density in CBD. Tauranga can show New Zealand how to do it well. Using existing infrastructure investment is more affordable and I will encourage this as part of the solution to delivering more affordable housing in Tauranga. Removing the red tape and making it easier to deal with Council and ability to delivery. We need more affordable houses, just need to make sure it works for Tauranga.”  

Tim Maltby

“chris bishops announcement sounds eminently reasonable to me. Of course the devil is always in the detail but the broad goals are good. to highlight some of the points less bureaucracy, out and up, more market forces – less planning – growth pays for growth – mixed use – I would like to see light industry included in mixed use so that we can live close to where we work – more options for house and apartment sizes – we need to consider local green spaces and parks, and walking and cycling access along with densification. there will  be a lot of work to implement the changes but if done right they should work well. this adds to previous changes like granny flats which are also very welcome to me. more housing options for seniors more housing options for young adults – more efficient market forces.” 

 Andrew Caie

“Tauranga has the most unaffordable housing in the country (compared to income). This is a massive drain on the entire economy of Tauranga. Every dollar our families put into simply having a roof over their head is a dollar that is not going into the “real economy” where it could be producing value and jobs. I believe mixed use development will allow for more integration within our communities – allowing people to live, work, and play locally – while also maximizing use of our limited space. My top priorities will be to ensure that we intensify along areas that can currently handle it – Primarily the CBD and Te Papa strip – so as to not overwhelm our infrastructure. Strategic investment and management of our growth is paramount to grow Tauranga into a city that can afford itself. I would also lobby the Central Government to assist councils like ours with financing. The Country…” [exceeded the 150-word limit] 

 Note: we invited all candidates to respond, and provided a deadline extension totaling seven days. We did not receive responses from Anthony Goddard, Aureliu Braguta, Chudleigh Haggett, Doug Owens, Hori BOP, John Robson, Jos Nagels, Tanya Bamford-King.