Public Service Announcement for Auckland residents: Submissions for Plan Change 120 (PC120) are open until next month, leading up to the Hearings

PC120 serves as a trial for how Unitary and District Plans may need to adapt when the Planning and Natural Environment Acts, Standardised Zoning, and various National Directions come into effect next year. It is crucial to monitor the progress of PC120, particularly regarding responses to Natural Hazards and the implications of offsetting density in areas down-zoned due to significant Natural Hazard risks.

I highly recommend reviewing the accompanying Section 32 reports. While the Natural Hazards S32 is approximately 900 pages and the S32 on the Zones (Chapter I) is around 450 pages, they are essential for understanding the context. As a Planner, I have read them to stay informed and prepared.

If you find yourself needing assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Auckland Council. Their Friend of the Submitter service is invaluable and has been helpful to me in the past with the Unitary Plan. Contact details can be found on the linked webpage.

One key piece of advice from experience: If you support any aspect of PC120, make sure to submit your support. Silence does not equate to support; it may hinder your ability to engage further if changes occur that you do not agree with. This happened with the Unitary Plan, and we should not let it happen with PC120.

For more information, visit: https://new.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/plans-policies-bylaws-reports-projects/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/auckland-unitary-plan-modifications/proposed-plan-changes/pc-120-housing-intensification-resilience.html