Christopher Bishop

The net loss of New Zealand citizens eased to about 40k in 2025 - down from 44k in 2023 and 2024. Still high historically, but moving in the right direction.

The Government has quietly ditched the quarterly actions plans PM Christopher Luxon was fond of. Previous plans included commitments to 'take decisions', 'pass legislation' and 'raise the energy'. Story below -

For the first time since 2020, Wellington City is consenting more units than any of our regional neighbors. Clearly still far more work to go when taking relative sizes of populations into account, but the first real green shoots from our 2024 District Plan.

National wants to ensure Auckland can continue to grow to meet the needs of an increasing population. As New Zealand’s largest city, it is the engine room of our economy – and to keep housing affordable, there needs to be capacity to build more homes. However, Aucklanders have raised real concerns about housing intensification in suburban areas right across the city. I’ve listened to those concerns and as a result we are making changes. Today we have announced a significant 23% reduction in the housing capacity Auckland Council needs to make available – that's around 400,000 houses. That means there can be far less blanket intensification required in our suburbs. Because where we build matters – growth should happen where it makes sense. That’s in the CBD, town centres, and along the $5 billion City Rail Link corridor. Intensification shouldn’t be imposed indiscriminately across suburban neighbourhoods. Ultimately, how Auckland grows is for the Council and Aucklanders to decide. But today’s changes give the Council the flexibility to respond to the issues Aucklanders have raised, while ensuring there is more housing in the right locations. We all want a thriving Auckland that stands proud alongside other vibrant cities around the world.