Several housing projects to be considered under the proposed fast-track law are on potential flood-prone land, despite warnings about any construction there.
Projects on the government's fast track list will be able to apply to be considered by an expert panel for assessment and approval, rather than going to through a traditional council consent process.
At least three proposed housing developments in Auckland and Canterbury are on land identified by councils as having some flood risk.
One such project is in Ardmore, South Auckland: the 5000-home Sunfield development proposed by the publicly listed developer Winton, on land defined by Auckland Council as a 'flood plain'.
The company says it is confident in mitigation measures being built in the area, adding it did not flood in the 2023 Auckland floods.
Auckland councillor Richard Hills is chair of the policy and planning committee.
He says it's frustrating to see such proposals going forward for fast-track approval, and the council feels hamstrung by planning laws.
Professor Bruce Glavovic is a natural hazards planning expert from Massey University and says councils need more of a mechanism to say no to developments on unsuitable land.
Wilson Street in Pahiatua was closed on Monday 19 August 2024 after rain on Sunday caused flooding in the town. Photo: RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
