Eased Granny Flat Regulations Applauded for Boosting Affordable Housing Supply

Date Published: 20 June 2024

Key Facts

• New law changes aim to simplify the process for building granny flats under 60 square metres.
• The policy eliminates the need for building consents in certain areas.
• Opposition Labour Party supports the proposal but emphasizes compliance with the building code.
• Concerns raised about potential issues with stormwater runoff and infrastructure pressure.
• Changes could save builders a few thousand dollars.
• Iwi housing providers see the rule change as beneficial, allowing quicker rehousing post-disaster.
• The rule changes make permanent the temporary adjustments made in parts of Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay post-Cyclone Gabrielle.
• The proposal is welcomed as an opportunity to build on Māori freehold land.

Article Summary

The government has introduced new law changes designed to facilitate the construction of small homes under 60 square metres, commonly referred to as granny flats. This proposal aims to increase the supply of affordable housing by eliminating the need for building consents in designated areas. This policy, part of the National-NZ First coalition agreement, suggests that only an engineer’s report would initially be required, but even that condition is now being abandoned to save costs and streamline the process.

Though the opposition Labour Party supports this policy, housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty emphasizes that all new homes must adhere to the existing building code. He stressed the importance of addressing the shadow effects, such as stormwater runoff and the stresses that increased housing density could bring to existing infrastructure. AUT construction professor John Tookey added that while the changes might save some costs, they could not substantially address the overall housing supply due to infrastructure constraints.

Housing providers, particularly iwi groups, have welcomed the rule change, citing its potential to accelerate rehousing efforts post-disaster, as evidenced in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle. Strategic advisor Willie Te Aho and Oraruwharo Ahu Whenua Trust chair Ivan Hauraki highlighted the benefits of quicker builds and the cost and time savings in obtaining consents. Hauraki emphasized that the move not only provides homes but also contributes to the overall well-being of people.

While the proposal holds promise for increasing affordable housing supply and easing the building process, it draws attention to essential considerations regarding existing infrastructure and necessities such as stormwater management. The proposal’s acceptance by housing providers and iwi groups suggests a positive step toward meeting immediate housing needs.

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