Urban Planning stories
Residents will face a 13.5% rates rise as the council backs billions for water, housing, cycleways and library repairs over a decade.
Facial recognition and reward points are being trialled to lift China’s recycling rate as waste volumes outpace the US by 2030.
Councils face tighter rules and faster consents as New Zealand moves to boost housing supply, curb prices and fund infrastructure.
Weaknesses in New Zealand’s PPP procurement have been laid bare after a review found early cost estimates and governance helped derail Transmission Gully.
Councils could gain new powers and funding tools as a two-year review seeks to overhaul a system critics say is unfit for today’s demands.
Schoolchildren in Drury are cycling to class for the first time after a privately funded 9km path network separated them from heavy traffic.
Covering 35,000sqm, the wetland is meant to cut pollution, store floodwater and create habitat for endangered native wildlife in South Auckland.
Poor data and slow adoption are leaving construction late, over budget and responsible for a growing share of emissions.
Digital twin tools could help cut costly delays and emissions, as 90% of infrastructure projects are still late or over budget.
Early clarity on route, funding and delivery could determine whether Auckland’s light rail eases congestion and unlocks more affordable homes.
The package aims to boost supply and help first-home buyers, but experts warn it may not curb soaring prices or fix shortages quickly.
Auckland developers are finding stronger demand and easier consents as housing shortages, low rates and relaxed zoning reshape the market.
Wellington has cut net emissions by 7% in 20 years despite 26% growth, as EV chargers and car share schemes reshape transport.
Despite a $31 billion investment, Aucklanders are being warned motorway queues and emissions will still rise under the transport plan.
Owners of unsafe buildings can face deadlines of 7.5 or 15 years to strengthen or demolish them, with council support available.
Resource consent has been granted for a planned Auckland office development that could retain 1.8 million kg of concrete and preserve heritage features.
Repeated COVID-19 border failures have exposed gaps in New Zealand's managed isolation system, prompting calls for tougher controls and better quarantine.
Planning certainty may improve if the RMA is replaced, but businesses and councils fear new laws could still trigger costly litigation and delays.
Up to 30 percent of Wellington’s drinking water is lost to leaks, prompting a unanimous council push for urgent infrastructure upgrades.
Record shortages of homes for sale are fuelling the pressure, with New Zealand’s median house price climbing to a fresh high for the fourth month.
