February 20, 2017
Green space threat in housing plan
Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare says the Government’s latest plan for fast track housing could end up targeting reserves and green spaces.
Housing Minister Nick Smith last week released a public consultation document on setting up urban development authorities which would have compulsory land acquisition powers and fast-tracked resource consent processes.
Mr Henare says looks like a way to transfer more power and profit to private developers.
He says there’s a precedent not just with the Tamaki Redevelopment Company, which brings together Housing New Zealand Auckland Council and private developers, but with the neighbouring Point England Development.
That’s where the Government intends to sell reserve land to Ngati Paoa to develop for housing.
"These types of agencies look to acquire land and if that is the precedent, that you are doing to build on land like this, is that what the pathway forward looks like and that's of real concern to me and should be to all of us," Mr Henare says.
Parliament’s local government and environment select committee is at the Auckland Racing Club’s Ellerslie Events Centre today to hear submissions on the Point England Development Enabling Bill.
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