Auckland Housing Plan Change 120
Aucklands housing landscape is entering a significant new phase. Following the government’s recent decision to adjust housing targets, Auckland Council has formally agreed on the principles that will shape the future of Auckland Housing Plan Change 120.
Below is a factual summary of the latest updates and what they mean for Auckland’s growth.
In February 2026 the Government announced it would amend the law to reduce Auckland’s mandatory housing capacity. Previously, the council was required to plan for approximately 2 million new homes. This target has now been lowered to 1.6 million.
This change is designed to give the council more flexibility moving away from blanket intensification and focusing growth in areas that have the infrastructure to support it.
On March 10 2026, Auckland Councils Policy, Planning and Development Committee agreed on several key principles to guide the revision of Auckland Housing Plan Change 120, these are as follows:
- High density housing remains a priority around major transport hubs. Mandatory up zoning will stay in place for areas within walking distance of the City Rail Link and key stations, including Maungawhau / Mount Eden, Kingsland, Morningside, Mount Albert, and Baldwin Avenue.
- The council will look to decrease housing capacity in areas further than 10km from the city centre. This includes reassessing intensification along lower ranked bus corridors and reducing mixed housing urban zoning in areas with poor access to public transport.
- A major driver of Auckland Housing Plan Change 120 is safety. The council will retain down zoning in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and coastal erosion. There is also an ongoing investigation into further restrictions for high risk zones.
- While some suburban targets are lowering, the Government is investigating ways to further enable development in the city centre, where infrastructure like water and transport is already robust.
The process involves several steps before these changes become law:
- The government must first pass the necessary legislation to officially lower the housing capacity requirements.
- An independent hearings panel (IHP) has been appointed to review the more than 10,000 submissions already received from the public.
- The government has indicated there will be a fresh opportunity for Aucklanders to provide feedback on the amended plans.
- The IHP is expected to provide its final recommendations to the council in early 2027.
For residents and developers, this update signals a move toward a more targeted approach to growth, protecting hazard prone land while supporting density near the city’s significant transport investments.
Navigating Plan Change 120 and understanding how these zoning shifts affect your land is essential for any successful land development project. If you are interested in a development opportunity in Auckland, obtaining professional advice should be your first step. Reach out to the team at RPC – Surveying Planning Engineering, for expert advice & professional assistance.
Kind Regards,
Hilton Watson
Director / Licensed Cadastral Surveyor | (BSurv Credit, N.D.S), MS+SNZ