Fast-tracked housing developments can't be paused, Chris Bishop says
New Zealand's Housing Minister Chris Bishop stated that there is no legal mechanism to pause fast-tracked housing developments despite concerns from local mayors. He noted that the system is functioning as intended, though he acknowledged the complexities regarding infrastructure and development contributions.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between national government infrastructure mandates and local municipal planning and resource constraints.
The housing and infrastructure minister says he can't legally pause fast-tracked housing developments.
The mayors of Auckland and Queenstown have called for an immediate pause on developments, including one that lacks water infrastructure.
Minister Chris Bishop told Morning Report that would require a law change.
"There's no legal ability to pause fast-track housing projects, but I am conscious of the concerns of Auckland and Queenstown," he said.
"Also, there's concerns from Lydia Gliddon down in Rolleston, as well and other mayors around the country."
Bishop said the fast-track system was designed to facilitate developments that are out of sequence, so the system was working as intended.
He said he had the ability to refer projects in and was conscious of their concerns.
"If they apply and they work their way through the system, I have to take advice on all of the projects," Bishop said.
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