Urban Planning stories
Poor data and slow adoption are leaving construction late, over budget and responsible for a growing share of emissions.
Digital twin tools could help cut costly delays and emissions, as 90% of infrastructure projects are still late or over budget.
Early clarity on route, funding and delivery could determine whether Auckland’s light rail eases congestion and unlocks more affordable homes.
The package aims to boost supply and help first-home buyers, but experts warn it may not curb soaring prices or fix shortages quickly.
Auckland developers are finding stronger demand and easier consents as housing shortages, low rates and relaxed zoning reshape the market.
Wellington has cut net emissions by 7% in 20 years despite 26% growth, as EV chargers and car share schemes reshape transport.
Despite a $31 billion investment, Aucklanders are being warned motorway queues and emissions will still rise under the transport plan.
Owners of unsafe buildings can face deadlines of 7.5 or 15 years to strengthen or demolish them, with council support available.
Resource consent has been granted for a planned Auckland office development that could retain 1.8 million kg of concrete and preserve heritage features.
Repeated COVID-19 border failures have exposed gaps in New Zealand's managed isolation system, prompting calls for tougher controls and better quarantine.
Planning certainty may improve if the RMA is replaced, but businesses and councils fear new laws could still trigger costly litigation and delays.
Up to 30 percent of Wellington’s drinking water is lost to leaks, prompting a unanimous council push for urgent infrastructure upgrades.
Record shortages of homes for sale are fuelling the pressure, with New Zealand’s median house price climbing to a fresh high for the fourth month.
Barcelona-style green zones could cut pollution and boost health after Covid-19, but risks of gentrification and cost remain.
Residents could soon have 48 hours’ water supply in an earthquake as work starts on a GBP £68 million Wellington reservoir.
Health and sanitation in many communities could be put at risk as sea-level rise and heavier rain strain wastewater systems.
House prices could be kept artificially high, worsening inequality and locking buyers into the cost of poor policy, Infrastructure New Zealand says.
The revived plan could ease congestion and cut emissions, but only if planners avoid the delays and cost overruns that sank Sydney’s project.
Affordability is worsening for first-time buyers as house prices outpace incomes, deepening the housing divide and fuelling political pressure.
Congestion could ease by up to 12% on Auckland's roads under a phased tolling scheme, according to a Ministry of Transport report.
