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Auckland not keeping up internationally with land-use, housing and transport - report

The article from Radio New Zealand (RNZ), titled "Auckland not keeping up internationally with land use, housing and transport - report," published on their website, delves into a comprehensive report by the Committee for Auckland, a business and civic leadership group. The report, named "Auckland in 2050," critically examines Auckland's progress and standing in comparison to other global cities, particularly in the domains of land use, housing, and transport. It paints a sobering picture of Auckland's current trajectory, highlighting systemic issues that hinder the city's ability to compete on an international stage and meet the needs of its growing population. Below is an extensive summary of the content, aiming to provide a detailed overview of the key points, findings, and implications discussed in the article.

The central theme of the report is that Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and economic hub, is falling behind comparable international cities in critical areas of urban development. The Committee for Auckland, which represents a coalition of business leaders, civic organizations, and stakeholders, argues that without significant changes to policy, planning, and investment, Auckland risks becoming less livable and less competitive by 2050. The report benchmarks Auckland against other cities of similar size and economic importance, such as Vancouver, Melbourne, and Copenhagen, and finds that Auckland lags in integrating land use with transport systems, providing affordable housing, and fostering sustainable urban growth. This lag is attributed to a combination of historical planning failures, fragmented governance, and a lack of long-term vision.

One of the primary concerns raised in the report is Auckland's inefficient land use. The city has historically favored low-density, sprawling suburban development, which has led to urban sprawl and a heavy reliance on private vehicles. This pattern of growth contrasts sharply with cities like Vancouver and Copenhagen, which have prioritized compact, mixed-use development near transit hubs. The report notes that Auckland's zoning laws and planning regulations have often restricted higher-density housing in areas close to the city center or major transport corridors, exacerbating issues of housing affordability and accessibility. As a result, many Aucklanders are forced to live far from employment centers, leading to longer commutes, increased traffic congestion, and higher greenhouse gas emissions. The Committee for Auckland warns that without a shift toward more intensive land use—such as allowing more apartments and townhouses in suburban areas—the city will struggle to accommodate its projected population growth, expected to reach 2.5 million by 2050.

Closely tied to land use is the issue of housing affordability, another area where Auckland performs poorly compared to its international peers. The report highlights that Auckland has one of the least affordable housing markets in the world, with median house prices far outstripping median incomes. This crisis is driven by a chronic undersupply of housing, restrictive zoning policies, and speculative investment in property. While cities like Melbourne have implemented policies to increase housing supply through upzoning and incentivizing development, Auckland has been slow to adopt similar measures. The report criticizes the lack of coordination between central and local government on housing policy, as well as insufficient investment in social and affordable housing. It argues that without bold reforms—such as streamlining consenting processes, reforming the Resource Management Act, and increasing public housing stock—Auckland risks deepening social inequality and pricing out younger generations and lower-income families.

Transport is the third major area of concern identified in the report. Auckland's transport infrastructure is described as inadequate for a city of its size and ambition. The report points out that Auckland has underinvested in public transport compared to cities like Copenhagen, which boasts an extensive and efficient metro system. Auckland's reliance on cars has resulted in chronic congestion, with the city ranking poorly in international surveys of traffic flow and commute times. While projects like the City Rail Link (CRL) are steps in the right direction, the report argues that they are insufficient on their own to address the scale of the challenge. The Committee for Auckland calls for a more integrated approach to transport planning, one that aligns with land use decisions to create transit-oriented developments (TODs). This would involve building higher-density housing and commercial spaces around transport nodes to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable mobility. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for greater investment in active transport options, such as cycling and walking infrastructure, to improve livability and reduce carbon emissions.

The report also touches on broader systemic issues that underpin Auckland's struggles. One such issue is governance. The Committee for Auckland critiques the fragmented nature of decision-making in the city, with responsibilities split between Auckland Council, central government agencies, and other entities. This fragmentation often leads to delays, inefficiencies, and a lack of accountability. The report contrasts this with cities like Melbourne, where stronger regional governance structures have enabled more cohesive and forward-thinking urban planning. Another systemic challenge is funding. Auckland faces significant constraints in raising revenue for infrastructure projects, relying heavily on central government grants and local rates. The report suggests exploring alternative funding models, such as value capture mechanisms (where increases in property values due to infrastructure investments are taxed to fund those projects) and congestion charging, to provide a more sustainable financial base for growth.

Beyond these specific policy areas, the report underscores the broader implications of Auckland's current trajectory for its future competitiveness and quality of life. It warns that if the city does not address these challenges, it risks losing talent and investment to other global cities that offer better living conditions, more affordable housing, and superior infrastructure. This could have ripple effects on New Zealand's economy as a whole, given Auckland's role as the country's economic engine. The report also highlights the environmental consequences of inaction, noting that continued urban sprawl and car dependency will make it harder for Auckland to meet its climate goals and transition to a low-carbon future.

In terms of solutions, the Committee for Auckland proposes a multi-pronged approach. First, it calls for a long-term, bipartisan vision for Auckland's development, one that transcends political cycles and prioritizes the city's needs over short-term political gains. Second, it advocates for greater collaboration between central and local government, as well as with private sector stakeholders, to align policies and resources. Third, it urges bold reforms in land use, housing, and transport policy, including upzoning, accelerating housing development, and prioritizing public and active transport. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of community engagement, arguing that Aucklanders must be brought on board with these changes through transparent communication and inclusive planning processes.

In conclusion, the RNZ article on the "Auckland in 2050" report paints a stark picture of a city at a crossroads. Auckland is not keeping pace with international peers in critical areas of urban development, and without significant intervention, its future looks uncertain. The report by the Committee for Auckland serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging policymakers, businesses, and residents to work together to build a more sustainable, equitable, and competitive city. While the challenges are daunting, the report suggests that with the right vision and commitment, Auckland can transform itself into a world-class city by 2050. This summary, spanning over 1,000 words, captures the depth and urgency of the issues raised in the article, reflecting the complexity of urban planning and the critical importance of addressing these challenges for Auckland's future.

Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/566892/auckland-not-keeping-up-internationally-with-land-use-housing-and-transport-report ]